Anti-lockdown proteststers have charged at police in central London today, some hurling bottles and smoke bombs as they demand an end to lockdown restrictions.
Footage on social media shows officers pinning demonstrators to the ground as the scene in the capital turns ugly.
Anti-vaxxers chanting ‘freedom’ have been making their way towards Oxford Street from Hyde Park, with some pushing their way past a line of police.
Earlier this morning three people were arrested for allegedly breaking coronavirus restrictions at King’s Cross station when bottles were lobbed at officers.
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Today’s protest has been planned by the grassroots group, Save Our Rights UK, called Unite For Freedom – Time For Action.
They describe the new tier system on their website as ‘unlawful, disproportionate and [it] will cost more lives and it will now impinge upon our medical freedoms with the new Freedom Passes.’
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Organisers originally called for protesters to head to Kings Cross in the morning, however the location changed by 11am after police started arresting people as they arrived.
A Tweet from the Met Police Events account said: ‘Officers are in the Marble Arch area, where one of the protest groups has gathered.
‘We are urging people to disperse and go home. If not, you may face enforcement action.”
Minutes later it added: ‘Crowds continue to protest and gather in the vicinity of Oxford Circus and Regent Street, a number of police officers are on scene.’
A Metropolitan police statement said: ‘Protest is not currently a permitted exemption to the prohibition on gatherings under the current coronavirus regulations.
‘Strict regulations have been introduced by the government nationally to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. This means that anyone gathering for protest risks enforcement action by officers.’
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