Three people were arrested during an anti-lockdown protest in Ipswich on Saturday as Suffolk police enforced its message that “gatherings will not be tolerated” in the county.

Ipswich Star: A protester faces the camera Picture: CHARLEY SHILLABEERA protester faces the camera Picture: CHARLEY SHILLABEER (Image: Archant)

The arrests were made in relation to an anti-Covid regulation demonstration on the town’s Cornhill.

Suffolk police said it was re-emphasising its public message that the force will make no exemptions for people participating in protests and that gatherings will not be tolerated.

One arrest was for a breach of the peace and a further two arrests were made for obstruction of a police officer, the force said.

All three people were taken to Marltesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

Ipswich Star: Protesters in Ipswich on Saturday Picture: CHARLEY SHILLABEERProtesters in Ipswich on Saturday Picture: CHARLEY SHILLABEER (Image: Archant)

The force later confirmed that the trio had been issued with fixed penalty notices.

A spokesman for Suffolk Constabulary said: “The message remains that police will be taking enforcement action against those who deliberately come out to protest. These events not only carry a public health risk but also need a lot of resource by the emergency services, when they should be dedicated to providing the help to those who need it.”

Speaking yesterday, Rob Jones, assistant chief constable of Suffolk police, said: “Suffolk has managed to maintain low levels of infection at the moment and we are determined to keep it that way. If you are thinking of coming to Suffolk this weekend to protest, then my message is clear – don’t. Our priority is to keep people safe. If you ignore this, then expect enforcement action to be taken.”

Ipswich Star: The demonstration on the Cornhill Picture: CHARLEY SHILLABEERThe demonstration on the Cornhill Picture: CHARLEY SHILLABEER (Image: Archant)