Police have put out a warning after large crowds of people joined an anti-lockdown demonstration in London.
Footage has been shared on social media showing protesters marching through the streets of the capital this evening (5 November), with a number of people having been arrested.
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It comes as England went into its second national lockdown of the year, with all pubs, bars, and restaurants closed, as well as all non-essential shops.
Protesters were spotted at Trafalgar Square, and according to the Metropolitan Police, had ignored orders to go home and had since moved onto Oxford Street.
A spokesperson for the force has once again urged them to 'go home' as the gathering of large crowds of people is prohibited under the current lockdown rules.
A tweet read: "We remain in a national health crisis and new heightened restrictions have been brought in to limit the spread of Coronavirus. This action is being taken to keep everyone safe.
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"A policing plan will remain in place throughout the night."
Another tweet added: "This gathering is unlawful and is putting others at risk. We are directing those there to go home.
"Failure to do so will result in enforcement action."
Earlier in the evening, the Met advised those who were planning on attending the protest to think again.
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They said: "Please see our open letter to those groups or individuals looking to protest. It is your responsibility to check the current position and ensure you are not committing an offence by being involved in a gathering. We urge anyone arranging a gathering to inform your local police."
In the letter, the force warned those who had gathered about the dangers of meeting up again for future demonstrations.
They said: "The MPS strongly advises people not to attend any gathering, for the protection of yourselves and others. We are still in the middle of a global pandemic."
Earlier this week, campaigners drove a tank through the streets of London to protest against the closure of gyms during the month-long lockdown.
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Gyms across England have been forced to shut their doors from today (5 November) until 2 December as part of a new national lockdown that aims to lower Covid-19 infection rates across the country.
However, many people feel gyms should stay open due to the health benefits they offer, and sports nutrition company Grenade has let its support be known with a tank, no less.
Former England rugby player James Haskell also joined the protest.
Featured Image Credit: Hasan Esen/Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesTopics: UK News, Coronavirus, Politics, Health, Covid-19