Dorset police chief condemns "irresponsible" lockdown protest

Dorset's chief constable has condemned an anti-lockdown demonstration in Bournemouth describing protestors as selfish and irresponsible.

Saturday's protest saw demonstrators gathering outside the town hall and in the lower gardens.

Three people were arrested and at least seven fines were handed out for breaches of the coronavirus rules.

Police said there were repeated attempts to engage with the organisers to request that they did not go ahead with the planned protest.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said: "I condemn the actions of these selfish individuals who knowingly flouted the lockdown restrictions to carry out this protest activity.

"Their reckless actions come at a time when our county is facing its highest number of cases since the beginning of this pandemic.

"Nationally and locally the situation is dire. On Friday alone at least 68,000 people contracted the virus in the UK and tragically 1,325 people died.

“Our NHS colleagues in Dorset are struggling to cope with the demand being placed upon them and are putting themselves at risk every day to protect the lives of others.

"The number of people in Dorset’s hospitals battling coronavirus has doubled since New Year’s Eve and it is anticipated we have not yet reached the peak.

“Our county is gripped with infections and yet these irresponsible individuals have ignored what is being asked of them and have left their homes to protest. Shame on them.

“I fully appreciate the fact that under normal circumstances people have the right to protest under the Human Rights Act. Now is not that time, people are dying.

"I want the people of Dorset to know that there is no clear exemption for people to leave home to protest and it will simply not be tolerated.

"Not only did these people put themselves, their families and the public at risk of infection, they also put our officers at risk while they policed it

" I know the vast majority of the public in Dorset support our stance.

“Enough is enough. These people need to stop and recognise the gravity of the situation we are all facing and go home.

“We must not forget the good people of Dorset who are doing their very best, yet again, to follow these stay at home restrictions, protect the NHS and save lives.

"I fully understand the stresses and strain this third lockdown will have on everyone, but I would like to thank the vast majority of our communities for behaving so responsibly and coming together to protect each other.

“Finally, I would like to say how proud I am of our officers and staff, along with all our emergency service colleagues and other key workers, for all they are doing at this extremely difficult time.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill said: “I fully respect people’s right to protest, which is fully enshrined in our culture and laws.

"However, we are in an escalating situation and public services have never been so strained.

"It is completely irresponsible for people to come together to make their protests at this time.

"I support Dorset Police in their tougher stance. Please stay at home and help us keep Dorset safe."