Police, protesters clash during London anti-lockdown demonstration

London metropolitan police and more than a thousand protesters in central London clashed during a demonstration.

The clash which led to 32 arrests happened on September 20, 2020, after Prime Minister Boris Johnson considered reimposing some lockdown restrictions across England.

Demonstrators were seen carrying banners saying “Covid is a hoax” and “My body, my choice: No to mandatory masks”, as well as chanting at police: “Choose your side”.

Police said protesters were ordered to leave Trafalgar Square on the grounds that the demonstration was putting those taking part and other members of the public at risk.

London’s Metropolitan Police said, “This, coupled with pockets of hostility and outbreaks of violence towards officers, means we will now be taking enforcement action to disperse those who remain in the area.”

Under laws introduced to slow the spread of infection, people in England are not allowed to gather in groups of more than six.

There are exemptions for political protests, but only if organisers follow guidelines to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.

Some of the protesters at protest voiced opposition to compulsory vaccines, as well as more general mistrust of the government, the media and the World Health Organization.