THREE people were arrested for breaching coronavirus rules at an anti-lockdown demonstration in Bournemouth.

A 52-year-old woman from Ringwood has since been released under investigation and two other people were de-arrested and will be reported for offences.

The arrests took place at a spontaneous demonstration outside the Royal Bournemouth Hospital at 2.15pm on Saturday November 14.

Another demonstration which was planned outside Bournemouth Town Hall did not take place as a result of positive action by police.

Officers cordoned off the area and issued warning notices under The Heath Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020 to prevent people from attending or gathering.

Anti-lockdown protest takes place in Bournemouth

Now Dorset Police has pledged to do their best to stop any similar gatherings.

Superintendent Jared Parkin said: "We are aware that further protests are intended to take place in Dorset again this coming weekend and we are actively engaging with the organisers to prevent them from occurring.

"Our officers will continue to use a 4 Es approach of escalation, where they will engage, explain and encourage people to follow the regulations. Enforcement remains the final option and we will take positive action against individuals in breach of the legislation to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"The right to protest is well established in this country and police forces have a long history of upholding this by policing by consent and ensuring the safety of all those exercising that right.

"However, in the current lockdown situation Government legislation makes it quite clear that gatherings of more than two people are unlawful. This allows the police service to take positive action against those breaching these laws.

"Tragically coronavirus is a deadly disease that has taken the life of more than 50,000 people in the UK and we cannot allow protests to take place and risk increasing the R rate. Gatherings of more than two people are unlawful under the new coronavirus regulations and I urge people to abide by these laws.

"We owe it to our communities and health services to ensure that people do not break the current coronavirus restrictions, which are in place to prevent the disease from spreading further and taking more lives."

Dedicated officers continue to patrol the county to deal with Covid-19 issues and provide the public with the visibility and reassurance they deserve. Their role will be to engage with the public, partners and businesses, respond to any COVID-19 concerns and patrol known hotspots.

Superintendent Jared Parkin added: "I would like to yet again thank the overwhelming majority of our communities for doing their bit to keep people safe. I would like to thank them, remind them to keep up the good work and reassure them we are here to deal with those individuals who are not complying."