Anti-Mask Demonstrators Clash With Police At London Protests Against Vaccines And Lockdown

Hundreds of people have gathered in central London to protest against the coronavirus lockdown and prospective vaccine.

The demonstrators crowded on Trafalgar Square and clashed with officers. Scuffles broke out with police who were attempting to keep them in order.

Pictures show human blockades were formed opposite uniformed officers in a bid to stop them making any arrests.

The 'anti-vaxxers' held banners bearing slogans such as 'Covid lies digital prison', 'wake up sheep', 'my body my choice no to mandatory masks', and 'no to mandatory vaccines'.

PA

PA

In a press release the Metropolitan Police said: "As indicated previously, officers have been in attendance and adopted the four Es approach to explain, engage and encourage them to leave throughout today.

"Despite this, protesters have remained, putting themselves and others at risk.

"This, coupled with pockets of hostility and outbreaks of violence towards officers, means we will now be taking enforcement action to disperse those who remain in the area. Those who remain may get arrested.

"It is important to remember that we are still in the middle of a global pandemic, and the changes have been introduced to help control the spread of the virus, keep everybody safe and save lives.

"We encourage those in attendance to leave the area immediately."

PA

The press release continued: "Throughout this period the vast majority of Londoners have complied with the regulations. We all need to continue to do our part to prevent the spread of the virus.

"Please continue to act responsibly - maintain social distancing, respect the new regulations, and help keep yourself, your friends and family safe.

"Exceptions to the new regulations include gatherings organised by certain types of body (such as a business or a charity), having carried out a full risk assessment and taken all steps to limit the transmission of the virus.

"Other exemptions apply to gatherings that are necessary for the purposes of work, taking part in sports, to protest or to provide emergency assistance."

Topics: Police, UK News, Coronavirus

Rebecca Shepherd

I'm Becky - a journalist at LADbible. I graduated with a First Class BA in Journalism before going on to cover criminal court cases, medical tribunals and breaking news for the national media - which inevitably and eventually became as glum as it sounds. Can often be found rocking a bag for life - which I made a 'thing' way before Rihanna. You can contact me at [email protected]

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