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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Cate McCurry

PSNI statement after anti-lockdown protest at Stormont

The PSNI has issued a statement after an anti-lockdown protest today.

Crowds of people protested against the Government's Covid-19 restrictions days after further measures were imposed across Northern Ireland.

Demonstrators gathered at Stormont for what was described as a peaceful protest against the lockdown and wearing of face masks.

It comes on the day the Department of Health recorded the highest number of positive cases.

On Saturday, 319 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in Northern Ireland in the last 24-hour reporting period, the Department of Health said.

It brings the total number of infections to 10,542.

There was one further death recorded by the department, which brings the toll in the region to 578.

Speaking about the latest figures, Health Minister Robin Swann said: "Today's dashboard figures underline once again the seriousness of the situation we are facing.

"Another person has sadly died and the number of positive cases is the highest on record.

"Please follow the public health advice to protect yourself and others."

In a statement, PSNI Superintendent Melanie Jones said: "Police were in attendance at a protest at Stormont this afternoon.

"Officers spoke with the parties concerned and where appropriate, explained and encouraged people to comply with directions to prevent any breach of the peace and to ensure that the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations NI 2020 were followed.

"This approach, based on the '4 E's' of Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforcement as a last resort is consistent with our approach in all such cases.

"We will consider evidence we have gathered over the coming days to identify if any offences have been committed."

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