Bedlam breaks out after woman is arrested at Morecambe anti-lockdown protest

The woman had been among protesters voicing their dissent at national lockdown measures in Morecambe Promenade.

Lancashire Police said it estimates that there were around 150 people in attendance at the protest.

Yesterday, Lancashire Police had issued a warning to those intending to participate in the protest, advising them them that such events are currently prohibited.

Its appeal appeared to have been ignored, with a crowd numbering around two dozen seen huddling together without face coverings.

Protesters, some holding placards bearing the slogan "Stand up for Truth", could be seen mostly directing their outrage and frustration at attending officers.

In footage taken at the scene, as the protest appeared to be winding down, a woman is apprehended by police.

The officers are quickly surrounded by protesters who begin heckling them with chants of "shame on you" as more police sirens wail in the background.

It is not clear whether the woman has been arrested at this stage.

Lancashire Police have been approached for comment.

The illegal gathering took place as the UK, and especially the north west, remains in the midst of a Covid-19 pandemic.

Legislation banning gatherings has been introduced to support the national lockdown and to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Lancashire Police has made repeated efforts to explain to those dissatisfied with the restrictions that its officers have a duty to protect public health and the wider health service by preventing public gatherings, as coronavirus continues to impact our communities.

Yesterday, ahead of the planned protest in Morecambe, the force said: "We would appeal to anyone considering organising or attending illegal gatherings and protests to consider the impact these events are having on our communities, on our health service and the ability of the police to keep the public safe.

"One of our roles is normally to facilitate peaceful protest but protests are no longer exempt from these restrictions.

"This means that whilst we are in lockdown, gatherings of more than two people outside who don't live together are illegal.

"We will continue to engage, explain restrictions and encourage compliance before enforcing, but people must take responsibility for their actions, and where gatherings or protests take place we are obliged to take action through dispersal, imposing of fines to attendees and organisers and making arrests where absolutely necessary."