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Hundreds of people gathered today in Piccadilly Gardens in central Manchester to protest against the national lockdown.
The protest is believed to have started in the city center around 1pm.
Images from social media showed that a few hundred people had gathered in the gardens.
There appeared to be little social distancing and none of the protesters appeared to be wearing masks.
Many of them carried banners. One of them said: “Fear is the currency of control.”
Greater Manchester Police issued a dispersal order and urged people to leave.
A spokesperson said: “Greater Manchester Police are aware of a large gathering in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester City Center and officers are present.
“Prior to this meeting, the officers contacted the organizer, explained the restrictions and encouraged compliance and continue to do so.
“Under the Antisocial Behavior, Crime and Police Act 2014, a Section 34 Dispersal Order has been authorized for Manchester City Center until 6:45 PM today (Sunday 8 November 2020). This means that members of the public should not gather in the area Non-compliance is a crime.
“GMP would also like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public that under national Covid-19 restrictions, gatherings of more than two people are illegal. We encourage individuals to comply with these restrictions, as we have done to throughout this public health crisis report, to help keep themselves and others safe. “
The event broke up around 5 pm, but then the police criticized the protest “absolutely ridiculous”, arresting four people and fining another 20. Read more here.
We will have the latest updates below.
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