Man arrested on suspicion of assaulting emergency worker at Milton Keynes anti-vax protest
6 January 2022, 06:17 | Updated: 10 January 2022, 09:01
A 58-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker during an anti-vaccine protest at a Test and Trace centre in Milton Keynes.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
Dozens of people entered the facility and appeared to damage and remove testing equipment in videos shared on social media last week.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) said on Wednesday the man from Brackley was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker and has since been released under investigation.
Chief Inspector Graham Hadley said: "Our investigation into the protest last week continues and as a result we have made an arrest.
"Officers are continuing to take statements and review footage that has been obtained of the protest."
Read more: Novak Djokovic faces deportation from Australia after having visa cancelled
Read more: Pre-departure Covid tests for travellers returning to UK to be scrapped, PM confirms
Home Secretary Priti Patel condemned the scenes as "completely unacceptable", saying that police have her "full support" to take action against those involved.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid also said he was "appalled" by the "vile behaviour" of the demonstrators.
Boris Johnson announces extension of Plan B measures
Anti-vaccine campaigner Piers Corbyn was seen speaking at the protest.
He was arrested last month on suspicion of encouraging people to attack MPs' offices.
Read more: Charity calls JK Rowling 'defender of Jewish community' amid anti-Semitic Goblin row
Read more: Thousands of Brits face cost of living 'disaster': Labour hammers PM over soaring prices
TVP had been investigating offences of theft, assault, criminal damage, public nuisance and violent disorder.
The force urged anyone with information to call 101 or make a report online quoting reference 43210583457.
