Anti-lockdown protests see 28 arrested in central london

Police detain a protestor during anti-lockdown demonstrations outside the Houses of Parliament
AFP via Getty Images
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Dozens of anti-lockdown protesters have been arrested after they descended on central London

The Metropolitan Police said 21 people were arrested in Parliament Square after demonstrations kicked off at 12pm on Wednesday.

The protests were planned after England entered its third national shutdown in light of surging coronavirus cases.

Footage on social media showed a large police presence and a number of demonstrators being escorted away from the scene.

Separately, seven people were detained and later handed a fixed penalty notice following a small gathering outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Scotland Yard said.

Unmasked demonstrators were escorted away by police
AFP via Getty Images

The force had warned that protesters would face “enforcement action” by officers if they were to turn up to any planned events.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said: “For those planning on demonstrating, you are reminded of your obligation to adhere to the Government guidelines and stay at home.

“If people are found to be in breach of regulations, put in place to keep the public safe, then they can expect to see enforcement from officers.

“This will not just be organisers of the gatherings but participants too – by now everyone knows their part to play in stopping the spread of the virus.

“People that gather as part of this protest today risk the health of Londoners. I will not tolerate this and that is why we have a policing plan in place to disperse crowds and if necessary, take enforcement action.”

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