Four arrested as hundreds show up at ‘absolutely ridiculous’ Manchester blockade protest – police promise organizer to be fined £ 10,000

The organizer of an anti-closure protest in Piccadilly Gardens will be fined £ 10,000, police have promised.

Up to six hundred people gathered in Manchester city center this afternoon despite government orders to stay home to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Many of the attendees did not observe the social distancing guide and were not wearing masks.

Police Chief Ian Hopkins condemned the meeting, telling the men: “Absolutely ridiculous behavior by organizers and protesters, deliberately violating the law and putting our communities at risk.”

It confirmed that GMP made four arrests for public order offenses and issued 24 notices of fixed penalties for failing to comply with coronavirus legislation.

Several policemen were also injured when the demonstration broke up on Sunday night.

Police discovered that some of the protesters had come from Cumbria on a bus.

Hopkins said the driver has been “reported and the regulator will deal with the owner of the coach company.”

The Chief of Police also confirmed that the event had put pressure on GMP resources at a time when nearly one in ten of the force’s personnel is out of work due to Covid-19.

Originally around 50 officers were deployed and then a ‘force response’ had to be instigated to disperse the crowd.

Officers from all Greater Manchester divisions had to be called in, the chief said.

The protest started around 1pm on Sunday and appeared to be under the slogan “Rise Up Manchester”.

The police are believed to have been in contact with the organizers and advised them not to continue, but the event went ahead anyway.

The crowd that appeared contained a mix of people of all ages.

Some carried banners with messages such as “Fear is the currency of control” and “Unite for freedom.”

Many appeared to be from outside Greater Manchester and tried to connect with people passing through Piccadilly Gardens to explain their cause.

Over the course of the afternoon, several of the group’s leaders stood in the flower beds in the gardens and used a loudspeaker to give speeches about why they oppose the closure.

There were also chants of ‘get up’ and ‘freedom’.

At one point, a man tried to lead a chant of ‘lock up Chris Whitty’, England’s medical director, though very few people joined.

At around 2pm, police chiefs confirmed that they had authorized a ‘dispersal order’ which gave them the power to order anyone to leave Piccadilly Gardens.

In a statement, they warned that anyone who did not comply with the order was committing a crime, adding: “GMP would also like to take this opportunity to remind the public that under national Covid-19 restrictions, gatherings of more than two people are illegal.

“We encourage people to comply with these restrictions, as we have during this public health crisis, to help keep themselves and others safe.”

Around 4 p.m., the crowd had not dispersed and the police entered.

Officers yelled at the protesters to back off and formed a line on either side of Piccadilly Gardens.

There were some fights with the police officers and the MEN witnessed how one was handcuffed.

However, in about twenty minutes, the police expelled everyone from the central part of the gardens and secured a perimeter.

There were tense scenes for some time afterwards, as some protesters became angry and yelled insults at the police.

There have been similar anti-lockdown protests in other parts of the country and a speaker at today’s event called for more people to attend next week.

Manchester City Council spokesperson Pat Karney said the authority will meet with GMP to see “how we can prevent these illegal gatherings.”

He told the MEN: “I fully condemn this shameful gathering at Piccadilly Gardens.

“These people should check out the ambulances going in and out of our hospitals right now to see the huge health crisis that we all face.

“If you do not agree to the restrictions, write to your deputy but do not endanger people’s health.”

Deputy Chief Mabs Hussain later added: “Today (Sunday 8 November 2020), Greater Manchester Police responded to a large gathering in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester City Center. At the peak of the gathering, more than 600 people attended.

“I would like to take this opportunity to publicly condemn this meeting. Both the organizers and the attendees were irresponsible, increasing the demand on the police who are also responding to calls about serious incidents and people who are in immediate danger throughout Greater Manchester.” .

“Before and during this meeting, officers followed the guidance to interact with the organizer and attendees, explain restrictions, and encourage compliance. Unfortunately, encouragement was ignored, resulting in officers moving toward enforcement.

“Under the Antisocial Conduct, Crime and Police Surveillance Act 2014, officers authorized a dispersal order under article 34. They also detained four people on suspicion of public order offenses and issued 24 Fixed Penalty Notices ( FPN) of £ 200. Investigations are also underway to issue a FPN to the organizer.

“Investigations have established that a group of attendees traveled to Greater Manchester from Cumbria by bus. The driver and the company they work for have been reported to the relevant industry regulator.

“While responding to this meeting, several officers were injured. This is unacceptable behavior towards officers who were simply doing their job and protecting people. Investigators will now work to identify those responsible and make sure they face justice.

“I would also like to remind the public that these restrictions are to control the spread of Covid-19 and protect everyone, including you and your loved ones, as well as the NHS. I encourage you to do your bit to fight the virus. complying with restrictions and staying home. “