Two people arrested after lockdown protest in Truro city centre

Around 80 people gathered on Saturday

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 16th Nov 2020

Two people have been arrested after protest in Truro city centre.

The gathering involved around 80 people on Saturday and police say it breached Covid legislation and other potential offences.

Officers say they tried to engage and explain the rules but a number of people still remained.

A 37-year-old man from Dorset and a 19-year-old woman from Cornwall were then arrested.

Officers say bodyworn video footage will be used to investigate further.

"Police have a duty to balance the right to peacefully protest against domestic law, which now includes the relevant Covid-19 legislation: gatherings of more than two people are unlawful under the new Coronavirus regulations. Police continue to urge people to abide by these regulations to help keep themselves and others safe.

"It was the view of police commanders that during this event, there were clear breaches of legislation relating to both Covid-19 and other potential offences.

"Despite officers’ efforts to engage and explain the law to the group, a number remained. Subsequently, two arrests were made and CCTV and body worn video footage will be used to further investigate offences relating to those that did not disperse when asked to.

"A 37-year-man from Dorset and a 19-year-old woman from Cornwall, were arrested in St Mary’s Street and taken to Camborne Police Station to be interviewed."

Devon and Cornwall Police