Published 11:21 IST, September 20th 2020

London: Hundreds arrested after anti-lockdown demonstrators clash with police

Police arrested several hundred in London’s Trafalgar Square at “Resist and Act for Freedom” rally after scuffles broke out between officers and protesters.

World News
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On September 19, thousands of coronavirus conspiracy orists flooded central London and clashed with police at a rally organized to oppose UK government’s safety measures to stem vel coronavirus. While security forces attempted to disperse huge crowd demonstrating against restrictions without social distancing or face masks, y formed human chains and blockes, halting traffic. As a result, police arrested several hundred in London’s central Trafalgar Square at “Resist and Act for Freedom” rally. This week, Boris Johnson government h imposed a ban on social garings of more than six people, according to local UK media reports.

Scuffles broke out between officers and protesters after y started making arrests for people flouting coronavirus visory in place. London Mayor Siq Khan h warned that ban on social garing might in fact “increasingly likely” get protesters out on streets, demonstrating ir human rights. He h also suggested Boris Johnson government to consider more stringent rules to curb rising infections and death toll in UK over past few weeks. A mob of over thousands yelled slogans and held placards, reing, This is w Tyranny” as y chanted “Freedom!” Slogans and confronted police.

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“I am extremely concerned by latest evidence I’ve seen today from public health experts about accelerating speed at which COVID-19 is w spreing here in London,” London Mayor Siq Khan was quoted by AP as saying. “It is increasingly likely that, in London, ditional measures will soon be required to slow spre of virus.”

UK witnessing “second wave”

However, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in press conference at Downing Street that UK was w witnessing a “second wave” of coronavirus with a similar trend in France, Spain, and across Europe, ministration was considering imposing tighter measures to mitigate casualties. On September 19, UK recorded over 4,322 confirmed cases of virus, highest single-day tally since May. Furr, it was estimated that as many as 60,000 people in England were infected with COVID-19 in week of September 4 according to UK government data.

[A protester holds up a placard in front of police officers during a "Resist and Act for Freedom" protest against a mandatory coronavirus vaccine, wearing masks, social distancing and a second lockdown, in Trafalgar Square, London. Credit: AP]

[Police officers wearing face masks stand next to a "Resist and Act for Freedom" protest. Credit: AP]

[People hold placards including one portraying Bill Gates as y take part in a "Resist and Act for Freedom" protest. Credit: AP]

[People take part in a "Resist and Act for Freedom" protest against a mandatory coronavirus vaccine, wearing masks, social distancing and a second lockdown, in Trafalgar Square, London. Credit: AP]