MASKING FOR TROUBLE

PSNI make arrests as demo organisers and protesters ignore appeals

POLICE carted protesters away from an anti-mask rally yesterday amid angry scenes.

Around 300 turned out at the Stormont demo against lockdowns which also saw a large PSNI presence make a number of arrests.

ACC Alan Todd said officers were forced to act after “organisers and participants did not cooperate” with requests to disperse.

The protest came as 1,012 new cases and five more deaths linked to Covid-19 were reported.

ARRESTS were made after more than 300 people gathered at Stormont to demonstrate against coronavirus rules.

It comes as Northern Ireland is facing four weeks of tight restrictions which the Executive approved to try to halt a dramatic increase in cases.

As demonstrators gathered to express their opposition, the PSNI were also in attendance.

Using a loudspeaker, officers read out a warning to those gathered of a risk of prosecution under the restrictions against large groups meeting outside.

The latest regulations prohibit mass gatherings, stating that no more than 15 can gather outside.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “The numbers in attendance and the lack of social distancing in the crowd were in stark contrast with assurances given to police by the organisers in the days leading up to the event.

“Police engaged with the organisers before and during the protest in an attempt to encourage them to disperse and comply with the Health Protection Regulations.

“Unfortunately both the organisers and participants did not cooperate with these requests and continued in breach of the regulations.

“Officers therefore moved to enforce the regulations, resulting in the issue of fixed penalty notices and a number of arrests. We will also conduct follow-up inquiries to seek to identify others who may have committed offences.”

Questioned on social media, Justice Minister Naomi Long said she raised the event with the Finance Minister Conor Murphy, whose department is responsible for the Stormont estate, and the PSNI Chief Constable last week when she became aware of it.

She added: “You can’t stop people arriving... what action has been taken isn’t something I have been briefed on yet.”

UNMASKED Man at demo DETAINED Protester is restrained LED AWAY Police hold woman at Stormont yesterday

OUT IN FORCE Hundreds of protesters arrived at Stormont

MESSAGE Man makes his point GROUNDED Police officers detain protester F0RCED TO ACT PSNI officers remove woman at Stormont yesterday