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Police have strongly criticized the “irresponsible” anti-lockdown protesters who gathered en masse in Piccadilly Gardens.
An already overburdened Greater Manchester police force had to dispatch dozens of officers to Manchester city center on Sunday (November 8) when more than 600 people gathered for the protest.
Police Chief Ian Hopkins condemned the meeting, which took place despite government orders to stay home in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
He described the event as “completely ridiculous behavior on the part of organizers and protesters, deliberately violating the law and putting our communities at risk.”
GMP is now urging people to abide by the restrictions and stay home.
The organizer will receive a fine of £ 10,000, as promised by high-level police.
In a statement, Deputy Police Chief Mabs Hussain said officers tried to interact with the organizer and attendees, but their advice was ignored.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Four people were arrested on suspicion of public order offenses and the police issued 24 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) of £ 200 each.
ACC Hussain said: “At the peak of the meeting, more than 600 people attended.
“I would like to take this opportunity to publicly condemn this meeting. Organizers and attendees alike were irresponsible, increasing demand from the police, who are also responding to calls related to serious incidents and people in immediate danger across Greater Manchester.
“Before and during this meeting, officers followed directions to interact with the organizer and attendees, explain restrictions, and encourage compliance. Unfortunately, the encouragement was ignored, resulting in officers moving toward enforcement.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
“Under the Antisocial Behavior, Crime and Police Act 2014, officers authorized a Section 34 Dispersal Order. They also arrested four people on suspicion of public order offenses and issued 24 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) of £ 200. Consultations are ongoing to also issue a FPN to the organizer.
Investigations have established that a group of attendees traveled to Greater Manchester from Cumbria by bus. Both the driver and the company they work for have been reported to the corresponding 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 ensure they face justice.
“I would also like to remind members of 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.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
“I encourage you to do your bit to fight the virus by complying with the restrictions and staying home.”
Many of those who attended Sunday’s event did not observe the social distancing guide and were not wearing masks.
Some brandished banners with messages such as “Fear is the currency of control” and “United for freedom.”
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Some stood in the flower beds in the gardens and used a loudspeaker to give speeches on why they oppose the lockdown, with one man chanting “lock up Chris Whitty”, England’s medical director.
Initially around 50 officers were dispatched to deal with the incident, before officers from each Greater Manchester division rushed to disperse the crowd.
Police chiefs confirmed that they had authorized a ‘dispersal order’ around 2pm, which gave them the power to order anyone to leave Piccadilly Gardens.
By 4 p.m., the crowd had not dispersed and the police moved in, shouting at the protesters to back off and form a line on either side of the gardens.
Several police officers were injured when the demonstration broke up.
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