17 arrested during Hyde Park anti-lockdown protest

2 January 2021, 17:35

The Metropolitan Police have arrested 17 people on suspicion of breaching Covid rules at an anti-lockdown protest in Hyde Park, London.

Crowds of between 200 to 300 people gathered at the park from around 1.30pm, despite Tier 4 rules banning gatherings of more than two people.

The Met Police deployed a heavy presence in the area, urging "those in the area to leave immediately".

The Metropolitan Police added: "Officers will take enforcement action where we see clear breaches of the Tier 4 rules.

"It's up to all of us to make the right choices and slow the spread of the virus."

Read more: Church raises £9000 after it was ‘trashed’ in illegal New Year’s Eve rave

Read more: Government urged to keep all schools closed after U-turn in London

The protest comes as the UK reported another record high of daily Covid-19 cases, with 57,725 cases - the fifth day over 50,000 cases have been reported.

Just minutes from the anti-lockdown protest, London hospitals are being overwhelmed by Covid-19 patients, as cases surge in the capital.

Covid patients had to be treated in ambulances outside hospitals on 29 December, as there are reports critical care patients in London could be transferred to Yorkshire due to overcapacity.

Read more: 1,300 London police off work as calls grow for them to be Covid vaccine priority

Read more: First Oxford Covid-19 vaccines arrive in hospitals ready for rollout

Kent PCC calls for police to be made a vaccine priority

Metropolitan Police Federation chairman, Ken Marsh, told LBC he hoped those breaking the rules would “have a bit of humanity”.

“If you want to catch it, that is your choice, but you are putting others at risk by your actions.

“I have no problem with lawful demonstrations during normal times, it is part of our DNA, but during this pandemic you are putting people at risk.

“If you want to do that, where is your humanity? It is bonkers."