Anti-lockdown protesters clash with police after at least 15,000 gathered against virus restrictions in Trafalgar Square - while a QUARTER of UK population is put under some form of lockdown - and conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn addresses crowd

Anti-lockdown protesters clash with police after at least 15,000 gathered against virus restrictions in Trafalgar Square - while a QUARTER of UK population is put under some form of lockdown

- and conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn addresses crowdAttendees of the 'We Do Not Consent' rally gathered in Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park, London, earlier todayCrowds have been urged to

abide by coronavirus restrictions and warned that violence will not be toleratedSixteen people were arrested during march, which moved to Hyde Park, and nine police officers were

injuredPiers Corbyn, brother of former Labour leader Jeremy, and conspiracy theorist David Icke are in attendance By RAVEN SAUNT and FAITH RIDLER FOR MAILONLINE

Published: 12:55 BST, 26 September 2020 | Updated: 09:02 BST, 28 September 2020

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Anti-lockdown protesters today clashed with police after at least 15,000 demonstrators descended on Trafalgar Square as part of a rally against coronavirus measures in the UK.

Attendees of the 'We Do Not Consent' rally ditched their masks as they crammed into the London square this afternoon, despite Metropolitan Police pleading with people to stick to Britain's

coronavirus rules.

Crowds, who were also warned violence would not be tolerated, carried placards reading 'is this freedom?' and 'end the crazy rules' as they flocked to protest against restrictions set out by

Boris Johnson.

Sixteen people were arrested during the demonstration - which later moved to Hyde Park - and nine police officers were injured with two rushed to hospital.

Piers Corbyn, 73, brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, was among the crowd alongside conspiracy theorist David Icke, 68, who has made a series of false claims linking Covid-19 to

5G technology.

Demonstrators ditched their masks and ignored social distancing as they shouted 'we will win' and waved flags, before police shut them down because crowds 'have not complied with the

conditions of their risk assessment'.

Trafalgar Square has a maximum capacity of 20,000 people and photographs showed crowds almost filling the area as they stood shoulder to shoulder to protest against Britain's increasingly

stricter lockdown rules. 

In contrast, last month's protests had around half today's turn-out - at around 10,000 people.

Skirmishes broke out between protesters and police later in the day, with those in attendance chanting 'shame on you' - shoving at officers as they passed through the crammed crowd.

Pictures show a woman appearing to be knocked to the ground as a struggle broke out behind her, while one man chanted with blood pouring out of his head.

In a statement, Scotland Yard said the breach had 'put people in danger of transmitting the virus' which voided their risk assessment and left those at the event 'no longer exempt' from

Covid-19 restrictions.

'We are now asking those in Trafalgar Square to leave,' the force said. 'Officers will be engaging with crowds and informing them of this development. By leaving now, you can keep yourself

safe and avoid any enforcement action being taken by officers.' 

In other coronavirus developments today: 

Scientists are considering a plan to ask everyone over the age of 45 to shield to stop the spread of Covid-19;Britain has been warned to expect 100 coronavirus deaths a day within the next

three to four weeks;Government sources claimed Boris Johnson's 10pm pubs curfew was based on 'back of a fag packet calculations' and 'NOT advocated by SAGE';The restrictions imposed in March

could kill 75,000 in five years, including 31,000 deaths not related to Covid, according to documents submitted to SAGE; Unions call for in-person university classes to be suspended as

3,000 students are placed in lockdown;MailOnline analysis reveals Britain's outbreak began to surge after 'Super Saturday' reopening;Sadiq Khan calls for Londoners to be stopped from

visiting friends and family.  A injured policeman is helped away after police clashes with demonstrators during a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square in London

Skirmishes broke out between protesters and police later in the day, with those in attendance chanting 'shame on you' and shoving at officers as they passed through the crammed crowd

Demonstrators ditched their face masks and ignored social distancing measures as they shouted 'we will win' and waved flags, before Metropolitan Police arrived to shut down the event as

crowds 'have not complied with the conditions of their risk assessment'. Pictured: Police today

At least 15,000 protesters have descended on Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park in London as part of an anti-lockdown demonstration 

Crowds of people, with many recording, mingle with Metropolitan Police officers in central London during the demonstration

The Met also confirmed that ten people had been arrested following demonstrations with four officers injured - two requiring hospital treatment. 

The rally comes as almost 18million Britons - a quarter of the population - will be living under tighter coronavirus restrictions by 6pm tomorrow, after the UK announced a record 6,874 new

cases in the last 24 hours. 

Those in Leeds were banned from mixing with other households at home or in pubs, bars, restaurants and parks from midnight, as Wigan, Stockport and Blackpool also saw draconian measures

brought into force. 

Households in the Welsh town of Llanelli are set to be banned from entering each other's homes and gardens from 6pm today, with the nation's two biggest cities of Cardiff and Swansea to

follow suit in the next 24 hours. Residents will also be banned from entering or leaving the areas without a 'reasonable excuse'. 

Britain recorded 24 deaths today in a preliminary count as the UK's fatality number continues to creep upwards. NHS England announced 20 deaths, while three were recorded in Wales and one in

Northern Ireland. None were recorded in Scotland.

Walking wounded were pictured at the demonstration after a number of violent clashes broke out. One man, right, was arrested by police officers

A woman and child cry as a man escorts them away from the crowd in central London. Reports suggest tear gas had been used

Demonstrators were threatened with batons as police officers raised their weapons into the air to try to force the crowds to move on 

A police officer puts up their hand as they attend the demonstration in the capital this afternoon. They were also armed with batons

Metropolitan Police disperse crowds in Trafalgar Square, London at the 'We Do Not Consent' mass rally this afternoon

A woman falls to the ground near policemen as officers moved in to disperse protesters in Trafalgar Square, London today

Attendees of the 'We Do Not Consent' rally gathered earlier today after a quarter of Britain's population was put under some form of lockdown 

Virus conspiracy theorist Piers Corbyn, the brother of former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, was spotted among the crowds 

Police officers used aggressive tactics including shouting and using their batons to attempt to control the swelling crowds

A group of police officers crowded a woman as they placed her under arrest during the demonstration earlier today

A police officer went without a face mask as she fought against the mass crowds alongside her colleagues in the force

Crowds, who were also warned that violence would not be tolerated at the gathering, carried placards reading 'is this freedom?' and 'end the crazy rules' as they flocked to central London

for the demonstration

Riot police clashed with protesters who took part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions

The Met also confirmed officers had been injured 'while engaging' with demonstrators, some of whom opted to move to Hyde Park rather than disperse

People dressed as Boris Johnson and Matt Hancock take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square in London, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus

restriction

Britain recorded 24 deaths today in a preliminary count as the UK's fatality number continues to creep upwards. Pictured: Protesters in Trafalgar Square

Skirmishes broke out between protesters and police, with those in attendance chanting 'shame on you' and shoving at officers as they passed through the crammed crowd

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Today's 'We Do Not Consent' rally, organised by Stop New Normal, comes just a week after a protest against mass coronavirus vaccinations, which saw more than a dozen officers injured when a

'small minority' targeted police. Some 16 arrests were made.     

The Metropolitan Police said it has been engaging with today's organisers throughout the week to remind them of their legal obligations and explaining the events could be in breach of

coronavirus regulations.

While protests are exempt from the rule of six, which is in force in England, those in charge must submit a risk assessment and attendees must comply with social distancing. 

Police said some organisers had done so but where this had not happened the Met will 'increase their engagement and encourage attendees to disperse'.

They added that enforcement 'remains a last resort but will be undertaken if required'. 

It is understood police had searched a man and confiscated a makeshift riot shield earlier in the day. 

Commander Ade Adelekan, who is leading the Met operation, said while there is 'great frustration' at the regulations, a large midday protest could put the health of protesters and their

contacts at risk.

He said: 'I know there is great frustration to these regulations but they have been designed to keep everyone safe from what is a lethal virus. 

'By flagrantly gathering in large numbers and ignoring social distancing, you are putting your health and the health of your loved ones at risk.' 

The crowds have been urged to abide by coronavirus restrictions and warned that violence will not be tolerated at the event 

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British conspiracy theorist David Icke (right) is also at the 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square in London, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus

restrictions

Crowds, who were also warned that violence would not be tolerated at the gathering, carried placards reading 'is this freedom?' and 'end the crazy rules' as they flocked to central London

for the demonstration

Pictured: Demonstrators place banners around Trafalgar Square during the demonstration today, including a posted reading: 'For a world in chaos, what does the future hold?'

One held a sign reading 'Did anyone see a pandemic?' while others decalred 'Who needs speech laws? People who have lost the debate'

Thousands of protesters are seen crammed beneath Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square to protest against coronavirus restrictions

Piers Corbyn speaks at the gathering in central London this afternoon as thousands gather without masks to protest the UK's coronavirus restrictions

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He added: 'Last weekend it was highly disappointing to see that a small minority of demonstrators targeted officers with violence. 

'Some 15 officers were injured during this protest, with more than 32 arrests being made during the course of the day. I will not tolerate a repeat of this behaviour this weekend and

officers will respond quickly to any scenes of violence.' 

It is estimated close to 15,000 protesters have gathered inside Trafalgar Square today, as photographs show the space nearing its 19,999-person capacity.  

The rally, which protests the government's coronavirus lockdown measures in London, comes as close to 18million Britons will be living under tighter coronavirus restrictions by 6pm tomorrow,

after the UK announced a record 6,874 new cases in the last 24 hours.  

Those in Leeds, Wigan, Stockport and Blackpool were banned from mixing with other households at midnight yesterday, while households in the in the Welsh town of Llanelli are set to be banned

from entering each other's homes and gardens from 6pm today.

'There are also significant levels of contact between grandparents and children.' 

Figures reveal that children and those aged below 45 are at far lower risk of dying from coronavirus than those aged over 75.

Office for National Statistics data reveals only four Covid-19 deaths were recorded in children aged one to 14 years old in England and Wales, or less than 0.01 per cent of the total. And

574 have been recorded in those aged 15 to 44, or 0.96 per cent of the total.

In comparison, 39,058 people aged 75 and over have died from the virus, or 65 per cent of the total.

The difference led a scientific paper published in Nature in July to conclude that those aged 80 and over are more than a hundred times more likely to die from the virus than patients aged

40 and below.

Despite the gap in risk of death, however, there have been warnings over long Covid, or where symptoms persist after the disease subsides, which could already affect more than 60,000 people

in the UK. 

Also today, Professor Graham Medley, who sits on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), warned Britain could be struck with 100 deaths a day in three to four weeks.

He arrived at the figure assuming a virus death rate of one per cent and 10,000 new infections being reported every day, adding the triple-figure toll was 'inevitable' as the virus remains

dangerous to the community. 

'Even if (the death rate) is 0.8 per cent, which I think would be a great success in terms of treatment, it still means that we are going to see deaths increase,' he told BBC Radio 4.  

At the height of the pandemic between April 2 and 18 Britain was recording in excess of 800 deaths a day, while recording around 4,000 positive cases a day.

But testing capacity was far behind demand, meaning the vast majority of cases were missed. The Covid Symptom Study app, which has 4.2million contributors, has suggested that at this time

there were as many as 100,000 new infections a day - pointing to a death rate of 0.8 per cent.

The World Health Organisation says the death rate from coronavirus stands between 0.5 and one per cent, based on available data.  

Health chiefs are reportedly mulling over plans to make facemasks compulsory in most places of work, in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus. Office workers are expected to be exempt

from the measures when sitting, but will be required to wear a mask when in corridors, lifts or communal areas. 

The demonstrators, who did not wear face masks, shouted 'we will win' as they waved flags and placards carrying various slogans

One protestor spotted among the crowd held a cardboard placard that read: 'The Ultimate Fight Against Injustice'

At least 15,000 protesters have descended on Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park in London as part of an anti-lockdown demonstration

Thousands take part in a 'We Do Not Consent' rally at Trafalgar Square, organised by Stop New Normal, to protest against coronavirus restrictions

Britain's coronavirus R rate could now be as high as 1.5, government scientific advisers warned on Friday after rises in all regions of the country

As cases continue to mount London has been placed on the national lockdown watchlist because of a spike in cases and hospital admissions, as the capital's R rate ticks up to between 1.2 and

1.5 - the same level seen in the North West, North East and the Midlands, which have all been stung by additional Covid-19 measures.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has already called for a ban on people mixing in each other's households, claiming in a conversation with the Prime Minister that 'if you go too late, we will be in a

North East, North West, Birmingham-type situation'.

What are the new restrictions and when do they come into force? England: Leeds, Stockport, Wigan and Blackpool were subject to the following additional restrictions from midnight.

Household's banned from mixing with other household's in private homes or gardens  Wales: Llanelli will be subject to these restrictions from 6pm today. Cardiff and Swansea will have the

same measures imposed at 6pm tomorrow.

People cannot enter or leave the lockdown areas without a 'reasonable excuse'Residents cannot visit each other's private homes or gardensThey will also be banned from mixing with other

households in pubs, bars or restaurantsAdvertisement Around 1,700 students in Manchester have been ordered into isolation after 127 tested positive for the virus at the Birley campus and

Cambridge Halls at Manchester Metropolitan University, as the rate of spread in the city climbs to 185.6 per 100,000 from 93.2 a week ago. 

Number 10's expert panel SAGE also warned the reproductive rate of the virus may be as high as that for the UK overall. It is the advisory body's highest projection since it began tracking

how quickly the disease was growing back in June and is slightly up on last week's estimate of 1.1 - 1.4.

If the R rate - the number of people each infected patient passes the disease on to - remains above one, then the outbreak will continue to grow and cases will keep surging, running the risk

that local Covid-19 outbreaks spiral out of control into regional and even national problems.  

Mr Hancock said the strict lockdown measures are in line with those seen in Leicester, where they have successfully quelled a surge in cases, and the West Midlands.

'This will be difficult news for the people living in these areas, profoundly affecting their daily lives,' he said. 'These decisions are not taken lightly, and such measures will be kept

under review and in place no longer than they are necessary.'

The tightened restrictions come after a surge in cases in the areas. The latest seven-day Covid-19 rate in Leeds was found to be 113.3 per 100,000 people, according to Government figures,

while Leeds director of public health Victoria Eaton said there was an 8.4 per cent positive test rate.

The seven-day rolling average in Blackpool has risen from 48.8 per 100,000 a week ago to 69.6 per 100,000 on Friday, the Government's coronavirus dashboard shows. The rate in Wigan has risen

to 122.6 per 100,000 people, while in Stockport it is up to 77.4 per 100,000 people.

On Thursday, Cardiff Council leader Huw Thomas said the capital had seen 38.2 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people over the past five days. Swansea's rate is 49.8.

Over the past seven days Cardiff's positivity rate has hit 3.8 per cent, exceeding the Welsh Government's 'amber' threshold of 2.5 per cent - part of its 'traffic light road map' strategy

for managing the pandemic.

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