FOUR people have been arrested in relation to breaches of Covid-19 regulations following a protest in Newcastle today.

As a result of the activity at Monument two men were also issued with fines for not adhering to the rules put in place to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing, of Northumbria Police, said: “We were made aware of a planned protest to take place at Monument in Newcastle.

“The Health Protection regulations do permit gatherings for the purpose of protest but provide strict requirements on how these are to be conducted to limit the real risk of transmission of coronavirus.

“We recognise the right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which police uphold and facilitate.

“Ahead of the event, Northumbria Police engaged with protest organisers to ensure they understood their responsibilities, and today officers were deployed in the area to ensure the regulations were adhered with.

“After engaging with a number of those taking part and explaining the importance of following the restrictions, it became clear enforcement action was required.

“We all have a responsibility to keep each other safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus and we are committed to taking appropriate action where necessary to protect our communities.”

The four arrested, one woman aged 70 and four men aged 26, 58 and 59, were taken into police custody.