A police officer was punched as an anti-lockdown demonstration in Leeds city centre turned ugly.
Roughly 200 people gathered in Millennium Square on Sunday, October 18 as anti-lockdown and anti-vaccination protestors gathered for a demonstration in Leeds at midday.
They were joined in the crowds by far-right activists, with many of those in attendance believed to have travelled from outside Leeds.
Officers from West Yorkshire Police gathered at the event, but the force said "the organisers refused to ensure any social distancing".
When officers asked those taking part to maintain social distancing, they refused.
Officers then tried to issue fixed penalty notices to three people who refused to give details. The trio were arrested under public health legislation.
It was at this point that a number of the protestors tried to resist arrest, which resulted in a police officer being punched.
Incapacitant spray was used to bring the situation under control, with three people eventually arrested. All three suspects were later released on police bail.
In a statement, a spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "West Yorkshire Police fully acknowledges the importance of lawful protests and demonstrations, but these have to be balanced against current legislation which is in place to protect the health and safety of the public during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
"There are restrictions on protests, which include completing risk assessments to ensure such events do not contribute to the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, we urge protest organisers to engage fully with the police at the earliest opportunity so appropriate assessments can be made."
It is not the first anti-lockdown demonstration to be held in Leeds. Last month, a Covid-19 'truth tour' was held in the city centre, while several anti-mask rallies have also been held in Hyde Park in recent months.
