Outrage after anti-lockdown protesters march through Portsmouth

A group of about 40 people was seen walking through Southsea and Fratton - the majority of whom were not wearing masks - chanting against lockdown, which came into force across England last week.

The new lockdown means police can fine those who gather with people they do not live with.

The actions have angered residents including care home worker Tom Loveday.

The 29-year-old from Portsmouth said: ‘I strongly disagree with the actions of these protesters. I work in a care home, which has seen deaths from coronavirus and care homes across the UK have seen a terrible spate of deaths in this pandemic.

‘We should all be doing our part to reduce the spread of the virus, as difficult as it may be.’

People on Facebook also had their say with Sharon Fitzgerald branding the group ‘absolute idiots’.

Sally Jouhning added: ‘Clearly none of these people work in healthcare or they’d know better.

‘How cruel they are in reality to think it’s OK to continue to risk the lives of frontline staff by their selfish attitude. It’s not “cool” to be part of a protest like this.’

Hampshire police said officers attended to disperse those taking part but no enforcement action was taken.

Officers are now seeking information about the protest organisers.

Under laws passed by the government anyone organising or facilitating a gathering of more than 30 people is liable to a fixed penalty notice of £10,000 while those participating in a gathering of more than two people can be fined £200.

Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said: ‘We all want to come out of this public health crisis with a clear conscience knowing we did everything we could to stop the spread of the virus.

‘That means all of us in Portsmouth continuing to do our bit during this second national lockdown and reducing the demand on our local health services by staying away from protests and other large gatherings.

‘These protesters should think very carefully about the implications of their actions today on the most vulnerable in our city and those who are working day in and day our on the frontline to keep us safe.’

Confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Portsmouth City Council area have risen to nearly 2,900 since the start of the pandemic and the city currently has a rate of 1,339.2 cases per 100,000 resident population in the pandemic so far.

Queen Alexandra Hospital has seen 254 deaths, while 220 deaths have been confirmed so far by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has recorded 184 deaths.

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth vendors fined £1,000 for Covid breach over seating for customers

Piers Corbyn, the older brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, led an anti-mask and anti lockdown protest at Portsmouth Guildhall Square back in September.

Cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt labelled the protesters ‘complete and utter prats’.

Anti-lockdown protests have also taken place in Bristol and Liverpool today.

Avon and Somerset Police said there was 200 protesters marching through the city centre and 14 arrests have been made due to people failing to comply with the directions of officers.

One arrest has also been made after an officer was assaulted.

Merseyside Police put a dispersal order in place ahead of the planned protests in the city and have so far made 16 arrests for public order and breach of coronavirus restrictions.

Keep up to date with the latest coronavirus news in Portsmouth with our Coronavirus Updates Facebook group.

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