Police warn people not to go to mass gatherings planned for Sheffield Parks

Police have warned the public not to take part in ‘mass gatherings’ that have been advertised as taking place in two Sheffield parks during lockdown this week.
By Lloyd Bent
Published 14th May 2020, 12:33 BST
Updated 14th May 2020, 16:57 BST
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Posters appeared online yesterday, claiming that the events would be taking place in Norfolk Park and Endcliffe Park on Saturday (May 16).

The posters said: “Join the UK Freedom Movement and be part of the largest mass gathering since the lockdown.

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“We say no to the coronavirus bill, no to mandatory vaccines, no to the new normal and no to the unlawful lockdown.”

Meetings in parks are now permitted, as long as you only meet one person at a time. Picture: Marie CaleyMeetings in parks are now permitted, as long as you only meet one person at a time. Picture: Marie Caley
Meetings in parks are now permitted, as long as you only meet one person at a time. Picture: Marie Caley

South Yorkshire Police have responded to the sharing of the posters, and warned the public not to attend any such events as it would be a dangerous breach of coronavirus lockdown restrictions and could lead to the spread of the disease.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We are aware of reports of planned gatherings at Endcliffe and Norfolk Park this weekend, as part of a series of events across the country. “We would like to urge people not to attend these gatherings. Despite the slight easing of restrictions, the Government is clear that gatherings of three or more people who are not members of the same household remain against the law. It’s important people continue to adhere to these restrictions in order to stay safe and prevent the spread of Covid-19. “We are closely monitoring plans in the lead up to the event and our officers will be patrolling the parks across the weekend. Our officers do have the power to disperse gatherings should they need to.”

The source of the poster is unconfirmed, and identical ones are popping up across the country, with different locations and the ‘UK Freedom Movement’ mentioned on each.

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The UK Freedom Movement does exist, and claims to stand for “freedom, equality and democracy”.

The poster that has been publicly shared on Facebook all over the country.The poster that has been publicly shared on Facebook all over the country.
The poster that has been publicly shared on Facebook all over the country.

The companies house registration for the business lists the sole officer as Jayda Fransen, prompting speculation it is the former leader of Britain First with the same name.

The Star has contacted the company to ask whether they really created the posters and events.

This article will be updated with their reply if we receive one.