Police warning ahead of planned protest in Birmingham
Police have urged people not to attend a protest due to take place in Birmingham tomorrow.
West Midlands Police has warned people that leaving the house to attend a protest is "not a viable exemption" from coronavirus lockdown rules.
The force said it has a proportionate policing plan in place for the protest and will be using the four Es: engaging, explaining, encouraging and, where they need, enforcement.
Officers are continuing to encourage people in the region to comply with the coronavirus regulations during the national lockdown.
Chief Superintendent Kim Madil, who is overseeing the event, said: “We want to make it very clear that participating in the protest is an offence so we are asking people not to attend.
“If you do chose to attend the protest, expect us to engage with you. We will not hesitate to direct you to leave. We will also consider issuing fines or making arrests for people that continue to refuse to co-operate.
“We all need to play our part by staying at home.
“We know that the vast majority of people are following these restrictions and we would like to thank you for this. You are all helping to protect the NHS and save lives.”
West Midlands Police officers are also encouraging the protest organiser to call them on 101.
