Outcry as three journalists are arrested at demo

POLICE have provoked outrage after they handcuffed and arrested journalists, took their DNA and threw them in cells simply for covering the Just Stop Oil Protests.

The three reporters told how they were manhandled, questioned and held for up to 13 hours despite informing officers that they were members of the media.

LBC correspondent Charlotte Lynch, pictured, had DNA swabs taken from her mouth, was fingerprinted and even had a mugshot taken during a ‘terrifying’ five hours in the cells on Tuesday.

She had been reporting at junction 21 of the M25 when two uniformed officers approached. Despite showing them her press card she was detained and repeatedly asked how she knew about the protest – which had been posted about on social media.

She said on LBC yesterday: ‘It was absolutely terrifying being in a cell with a pad for a bed in one corner and a metal toilet in the other. I was just doing my job. What’s also terrifying is what this means for press freedom. It was obvious I was a reporter.’

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said yesterday it was ‘vital’ that journalists are ‘able to do their job freely without restriction’. His spokesman added: ‘Freedom of the Press is the cornerstone of democracy.’ Documentary maker Rich Felgate and photographer Tom Bowles also had their equipment seized and homes searched while they were held for 13 hours on Monday. Hertfordshire Police has confirmed it will investigate the hardline tactics. A spokesman added that measures were now in place to ‘ensure legitimate media are able to do their job’.