A WOMAN has been reported for summons following a large anti-lockdown protest in the city last weekend.

The 34-year-old from Brighton has been reported for organising a gathering of more than 30 people.

The protest last Saturday drew a crowd of more than 200 people at its peak.

Mass gatherings are currently prohibited under Regulation 10 of The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020.

The Argus:

The police action follows an investigation by the force into the organised event.

"Should any further offences be identified, we will act upon these," a Sussex Police spokesman said.

"We’d like to remind the public that we will continue to engage, explain and encourage people to follow the government guidelines on coronavirus, and enforcement action will be taken if necessary."

Hundreds of people marched, unmasked, through Brighton and Hove last weekend as part of the anti-lockdown protest.

Many of those involved held banners and placards emblazoned with messages such as "we are in the middle of a mass hypnosis" and "you can stuff your vaccine up your a***".

The group congregated at the Peace Statue in Hove, with one protester announcing through a megaphone that the group had been asked to only walk in pairs.

"We're not going to hang around, we're going to keep marching. We're not going to do any speeches," they said.

"We're just going to walk, we're going to make some noise and we're going to let this government now, we're not taking it any more."

Police officers were present at the protest and said they were "engaging, explaining and encouraging people to follow the regulations".

No arrests were reported following the march.

The Argus:

The demonstration came shortly after the introduction of a second UK lockdown, on November 5, in an attempt to curb the rising coronavirus infection rate in the UK.

These measures, which encourage people to stay at home when possible, will remain in place until December 2.

Restrictions include the enforced closure of pubs and restaurants, unless they are offering takeaways and deliveries, along with non-essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues.

No household mixing is allowed indoors or in private gardens.

People may meet with one person from another household in a public, outdoor space.