Four people arrested as hundreds turn up to anti-lockdown protest in Piccadilly Gardens this weekend 

Four people were arrested and dozens fined after a crowd of at least 600 people gathered for an anti-lockdown protest this weekend. 

The protest began around 1pm on Sunday November 8th with little social distancing and none of the protestors wearing masks. 

GMP said there were 600 individuals in attendance and that some had travelled to Manchester in a coach from Cumbria.

Assistant Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said in a statement “I would like to use this opportunity to publically condemn this gathering.

“Both the organisers and attendees were irresponsible – increasing demand on police who are also responding to calls regarding serious incidents and people who are in immediate danger across Greater Manchester.

“Under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, officers authorised a Section 34 Dispersal Order.

“They also arrested four people on suspicion of public order offences and issued 24 £200 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs). Enquiries are ongoing to also issue an FPN to the organiser.”

He continued: “Whilst responding to this gathering, a number of officers were injured. This is unacceptable behaviour 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.

“I encourage you to do your bit to fight the virus by complying with the restrictions and staying at home.”

Many of the anti-lockdown protesters were carrying placards. One of which read: “Fear is the currency of control” and another said: “How are you liking your six month free trial to the new world order?”

The event was dispersed by police at around 5pm after receiving confirmation they had authorisation for a dispersal order at 2pm. At 4pm the crowd had not dispersed so police moved in. There were four arrests and 20 fines. 

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins spoke to the MEN condemning the gathering. He said: “Utterly ridiculous behaviour from the organisers and the protesters, deliberately breaking the law and putting our communities at risk.”

Hopkins added that the event put a strain on GMP resources at a time when almost one in ten of the force’s staff are off work due to Covid-19.