Five police officers injured as 29 arrested at London anti-lockdown protest

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Five Police Officers Injured As 29 Arrested At London Anti-Lockdown Protest
Protesters chanted 'We demand freedom'.
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Mike Bedigan, PA

Five police officers have been injured and 29 people arrested following anti-lockdown protests in central London.

Hundreds of people joined marches down Oxford and Regent Street on Saturday, and were dispersed several times by police.

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There were several clashes between officers and unmasked demonstrators, who chanted “we demand freedom”.

Coronavirus – Sat Dec 19, 2020
(Kirsty O’Connor/PA)

It came as UK prime minister Boris Johnson announced that several areas of eastern and south-east England would be placed under Tier 4 restrictions – the toughest in the UK.

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At a press conference, Mr Johnson praised the “amazing work” of police and their “soft touch” approach to dealing with rule breakers.

The Metropolitan Police account later tweeted: “We arrested 29 people today following demonstrations across the city.

“Unacceptably five of our officers were injured – thankfully their injuries are not serious.”

Multiple people were arrested near Trafalgar Square, including Andreas Michli – a gym owner from Wood Green, who refused to close the venue during the second national lockdown.

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“I’m going to keep doing this until we’re free,” he said as he was led to a police van.

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