An angry anti-lockdown mob was filmed outside Professor Chris Whitty's house over the weekend. Watch the video here:
The crowd gathered outside England's chief medical officer's London home on Saturday and could be heard shouting 'shame on you' and 'murderer'.
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Those in the crowd shouted through megaphones and blasted horns, while they carried flags, and shouted outside the flats.
Prof Whitty has been at the forefront of the public guidance when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic.
In another video that emerged over the weekend, two men grab at him as he walks through the street.
In the video, Whitty attempts to walk away from the men as they shout 'oi oi' and ask: "One photo, please?"
The clip, which is around 20 seconds long, shows the grinning men grab him again and a voice in the background can be heard saying 'Leave the gentleman alone'.
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Now the police are investigating the incident which took place at St James's Park, London.
Priti Patel said she was 'horrified by what has happened to Chris'. She told Times Radio: "The police are involved as well and we're speaking to Chris to look at what we can do to support him."
When asked if Whitty needed police protection, she said: "It's important we make sure that Chris is given the right kind of support. It is terrible to see such an important public figure - someone that day in, day out has been serving our country in the way in which he has to keep us safe - being subject to such appalling abuse."
In a tweet, the Metropolitan Police said: "We are aware of a video being shared online showing an incident in St James's Park. Officers spoke to all those involved at the time and their details were taken.
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"We are in contact with the victim and the circumstances continue to be investigated."
The widely-shared video has sparked a heated reaction, with a number of MPs swift to condemn those involved and some figures calling for police protection for key scientific advisers during the pandemic.
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi tweeted: "This is disgusting and these thugs must be found and charged. Zero tolerance for harassing a public servant."
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Labour MP Jess Phillips said Prof Whitty had been made to feel 'awful and uncomfortable' and issued a reminder that public figures 'are human beings'.
"Even if you perceive it as non-violent it is clear that he felt awful and uncomfortable and resisted," Ms Phillips tweeted.
"Public figures are not dolls, they are human beings, it is stunning how easily this is forgotten."
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