Nicholas Watts, BBC Newsnight's political editor, was chased through the streets of London by a group of anti-lockdown protesters yesterday.
Footage of the frightening incident shows a man holding what appears to be a can of gin and tonic run-up to Mr Watts and shout "traitor, traitor" at the journalist as he walked away from the group.
Mr Watts was carrying out his job as a reporter by attending an anti-lockdown protest in Whitehall, London, when he was surrounded by the enraged crowds yesterday.
The angry mob can be heard shouting at Mr Watts to “run” as the BBC reporter appeared to be growing more concerned about his safety.
The reporter, who was wearing a mask and a BBC lanyard, suddenly turns around and attempts to break through the crowd.
Another man behind the camera can be heard saying: “How can it be legal to lock people in their houses?”
Two other people engaging in the protest can be heard shouting “traitor” just centimetres from the journalist’s face causing Mr Watts to break into a run amid shouts from the crowd calling him “scum”.
A chorus of boos erupted from the crowd as the reporter made his way around a police cordon and through a gate into Downing Street.
A spokesperson for BBC News said: “This behaviour is completely unacceptable.
"All journalists should be able to carry out their work without intimidation or impediment.”
The action of the crowd - which had gathered in Westminster to protest against the Government's extension of coronavirus restrictions in England by four weeks - was roundly condemned after the video was shared online.
Former BBC interviewer and GB News founder Andrew Neil wrote: “Disgraceful treatment of Nick Watt. A fine reporter and good friend.
"Subjected to the intimidation and thuggery of the mob. Simply terrible. Solidarity with Nick.”
Press freedom campaigner Rebecca Vincent commented: “Appalling, thuggish behaviour by anti-lockdown protesters towards BBC Newsnight political editor Nick Watt.
"This isn’t protest; it’s harassment & possibly assault (given Covid risk). Journalists must be able to do their jobs safely. The UK must do better.”
Former Newsnight deputy editor Jess Brammar added: “The video of Nick Watt being chased and abused by a mob is absolutely horrifying - am torn about RTing it as it's upsetting and I don't know how Nick feels about it, but huge solidarity with him.
"It’s disgusting, he’s doing his job. I know the BBC will be rightly furious about it.”
