AS all Covid restrictions are lifted in England today, police have made 11 arrests so far while responding to an anti-lockdown protest in Westminster which brought traffic to a standstill.
Scotland Yard said 11 people have been arrested following an anti-lockdown and anti-vaccination protest in Westminster.
The force tweeted: “A number of officers continue to respond to a demonstration in Parliament Square, #Westminster.
“Eleven people have been arrested for a variety of offences. Our policing operation continues, sadly officers have been met with hostility while engaging with crowds.”
Protesters held signs and chanted “freedom” as they gathered in Parliament Square after all remaining coronavirus restrictions were eased in England, including an end to social distancing rules.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon says 'Freedom Day' in England 'not sensible' due to rising cases
The demonstration moved from Parliament Square to spread onto the road and up to the gates of the Palace of Westminster, leading Metropolitan Police officers to urge protesters to move out of the road.
Freedom Day protest in Westminster rn pic.twitter.com/bODREVZ8bC
— Mhari Aurora (@MhariAurora) July 19, 2021
Scenes in London during "Freedom Day/" Protesters chanting: "Arrest @BorisJohnson." 🏴☠️pic.twitter.com/BXa67hOOHb
— The Churchill Project (@WinstonCProject) July 19, 2021
An officer was seen to put a lock on a gate at the entrance to Parliament while those outside held signs with anti-vaccination and anti-police messages, with some chanting “shame on police” and “arrest Boris Johnson”.
The Metropolitan Police tweeted: “We are responding to a demonstration in Parliament Square this afternoon.
“A group have blocked the road which is causing traffic disruption.
“Officers are on scene, speaking with those taking part in the protest and looking to ease congestion as soon as possible.”
READ MORE: Tory minister 'taking us for fools' as he defends Johnson's isolation U-turn
Videos posted to social media have also shown protesters clashing with police as thousands are reported to be gathered in Parliament Square for the protest.
Kicking off - bottles being throw at the police anti lockdown protesters and police fighting back with some punches at parliament square, a good 2000 protesters here and a heavy police presence …. In this heat it’s going to be a long day of clashes pic.twitter.com/JGjtz5aGHu
— Paul Brown 🇬🇧 Browns fan🏈 London News 🎥Vlogger (@PaulBrown_UK) July 19, 2021
'Freedom Day' descends into violence as scuffles take place at anti-lockdown protest. #freedom #freedomday #freedomdayuk #freedomdayengland pic.twitter.com/Y5bY6d8kdh
— Urban Pictures (@Urban_Pictures) July 19, 2021
The Met later added in a post on Twitter that "sadly officers have been met with hostility while engaging with crowds".
Bottles were thrown in the direction of officers, many of whom were wearing helmets, as scuffles broke out and demonstrators shouted abuse at police in sweltering temperatures in the capital.
The anti-lockdown protest comes on the day that most lockdown restrictions were eased in England, including an end to social distancing rules and face masks no longer mandatory in shops and on public transport.
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