Arrests made as UK anti-lockdown protest hits Bristol

At least 14 people have been detained after 200 people descended on the city centre

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been recurring, if modest, protests across England against lockdown restrictions and other rules meant to curb the spread of the virus. Getty Images

British police arrested 14 people in the south-west town of Bristol on Saturday as around 200 people protested against nationwide lockdown measures.

Authorities had already warned against the march going ahead because of recently introduced, month-long restrictions.

Piers Corbyn, the brother of former Labour Party leader Jeremy, was among those detained.

"This gathering is unlawful and is putting others at risk. Arrests have been made as people have failed to comply with the directions of officers," the local Avon and Somerset police force said on Twitter.

"One arrest has also been made after an officer was assaulted."

Demonstrators were urged to return home.

"We recognise the right to freedom of expression but protests aren't currently allowed. Covid-19 is deadly and the restrictions are in place to prevent its spread," police added.

The government was forced to reintroduce lockdown measures in England in an effort to tackle a second wave of Covid-19. The virus has killed more than 51,000 people across the UK.