Two charged after anti-lockdown protest in Dorset

Two people have been charged with breaching Covid-19 legislation after an anti-lockdown protest in Dorset over the weekend.

More than 100 people gathered around The Square in Bournemouth on Saturday.

They were there for around two hours before being dispersed by the police.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, of Dorset Police, said:

"Our officers responded to a fast-moving situation and our main focus at all times was to ensure the safety of the wider public.

"We made repeated efforts to engage with those planning to protest and remind them of the Government legislation, which makes it unlawful for gatherings of more than two people.

"While we will always use the approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging members of the public to comply with the requirements, we have been clear that where we see blatant and persistent breaches we will take enforcement action.

"We must ensure that the law applies equally to everyone. We owe it to the vast majority of our communities who are complying with the regulations and doing their bit to limit the infection rate to take action against those who are reported to be ignoring the restrictions and encouraging others to do so."

'Arrests'

A 39-year-old man from Poole and a 29-year-old man from Whitley in Hampshire have been charged with participating in a gathering in a public outdoor place of more than two people and holding or being involved in a gathering of more than 30 people.

They are both due to appear at Poole Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 26 January 2021.