Four arrested and two fines issued amid further Sarah Everard vigil policing protest
Four people were arrested and two received fixed penalty notices amid further protests over the policing of the Sarah Everard vigil in central London.
Demonstrators again took to the streets of the capital on Monday afternoon and evening to continue to protest over the policeâs handling of the vigil as well as over the Governmentâs Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
The Metropolitan Police said it had âmaintained an appropriate policing planâ during the protest action around Parliament Square, Trafalgar Square and parts of the West End.
Protesters blocked âa number of roadsâ and caused traffic disruption, the force added.
Many protesters chose to leave the area when encouraged to do so by officers, but others remained in the Westminster area, the Met added.
Temporary Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jane Connors said: âWhilst I understand why people feel the need to express their views at this time, we must remember that we are still in the middle of a pandemic, and that there is the constant risk of transmitting the coronavirus.
âOur officers were once again out on the streets, with the primary role of trying to ensure peopleâs safety during this health crisis.
âDespite many people adhering to officersâ instructions to leave the area and go home, we had to take some enforcement action as the evening progressed.
âThree people were arrested on suspicion of breaching the Health Protection Regulations.
âTwo remain in custody and the third was released after being issued with a fixed penalty notice.
âA fourth person was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and remains in custody.
âIn addition to the arrests, two people were issued with fixed penalty notices.
âWe will continue to review how we police events such as this and I would urge people to think carefully before joining any future protests.â
