Anti-lockdown protesters in Sheffield chant 'we do not consent' as woman is arrested

A woman was arrested during an anti-lockdown protest in Sheffield city centre, with fellow demonstrators chanting ‘we do not consent’ as she was led away in handcuffs.
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Around 30 people gathered for the demonstration in Barker’s Pool yesterday, Saturday, November 7, before moving to the Peace Gardens.

Police attempted to fine one woman for breaching the new regulations, under which public gatherings are banned.

An anti-lockdown protest in Sheffield city centreAn anti-lockdown protest in Sheffield city centre
An anti-lockdown protest in Sheffield city centre
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When she refused to give her details, she was arrested on suspicion of participating in an unlawful gathering.

A video shared online shows a woman being led away in handcuffs, with protesters shouting ‘we do not consent’.

A spokeswoman for South Yorkshire Police said: “Approximately 30 people gathered in Barker’s Pool, where our officers engaged with the group and explained that the gathering was unlawful under the current national restrictions.

"After several attempts by police to engage and encourage compliance, the group moved off and re-congregated near to the Peace Gardens.

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"One woman was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice, but refused to provide details and was therefore arrested on suspicion of participating in an unlawful gathering and is currently in custody. The group then dispersed.”

The force was unable to confirm whether, as some people have suggested, this was the first arrest to be made in South Yorkshire under the new lockdown legislation, which came into force on Thursday, November 5.

It was also not able to say whether any fines had been issued at the protest.

Public gatherings of two or more people are banned under the new rules, which are in place until December 2.

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Anyone caught flouting the restrictions can be fined £200 for a first offence, reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days, rising to £6,400 for subsequent offences.

In a video of Saturday’s protest in Sheffield city centre, people can be heard chanting ‘freedom’, while a banner reads ‘we do not consent to tyranny’.

A woman is seen engaging in a long discussion with police before eventually being placed in handcuffs and shouting ‘common law assault’ as this happens.

More than 100 people had been arrested during anti-lockdown demonstrations in central London on the day the new rules took effect.