Police officers apprehend Piers Corbyn, Jeremy Corbyn's brother, during a demonstration against the coronavirus lockdown in Hyde Park on May 16 in London. Photo / Getty Images
Police officers apprehend Piers Corbyn, Jeremy Corbyn's brother, during a demonstration against the coronavirus lockdown in Hyde Park on May 16 in London. Photo / Getty Images
A group of activists have clashed with police at a protest against Britain's coronavirus lockdown in central London.
Dozens of people, including the brother of former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, gathered at Hyde Park on Saturday to demonstrate against the strict lockdown measures brought in by the government toslow the deadly virus's spread.
Some held signs that read "freedom over fear", "no to the new abnormal" and "no to mandatory vaccinations", while others shouted through megaphones.
Protesters boo as man led away in handcuffs by police at Hyde Park anti-lockdown protest pic.twitter.com/ZpCPqmsypG
More than 241,400 cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed across the UK and more than 31,500 people have died, news.com.au reports.
The protests come just days after lockdown restrictions were eased in England, meaning residents are now allowed to spend more time outdoors.
Britons can enjoy picnics and sunbathe outside, as well as exercise and play outdoor sports such as tennis, basketball and golf.
They can also meet one other person from a different household, as long as they stay outdoors and at least two metres apart.
Visiting friends and family at their homes is still prohibited, as well as gathering in groups of two or more.
On Friday, Metropolitan Police had warned that large protests, marches and assemblies were still not permitted.
"The public can expect officers to be out patrolling this weekend," Chief Superintendent Karen Findlay said.
"In the event of spontaneous or planned mass gatherings taking place in a public space this weekend, officers will engage and encourage people to comply with the conditions in order to reduce the risk to public health.
"The majority of Londoners are listening and adhering to the guidance set out, but where necessary, we will be turning to enforcement as a last resort," she said.
