A Kill the Bill protest and vigil for Sarah Everard are happening in Kingston town centre today.

Groups including Kingston Black Lives Matter and Extinction Rebellion Kingston will be gathering outside Barclays Bank on Kingston High Street from 1pm.

They will march to the Fairfield park at 1.30pm and host speakers until 5pm this afternoon.

Demonstrators announced their plans to protest against the Police and Crime Bill and gender based violence yesterday on social media.

In an Instagram story this morning, Kingston Black Lives Matter asked protestors to wear masks and socially distance throughout the day as much as possible.

Kingston police are aware of the plans and are warning people not to go to the protest on public health grounds.

In a statement released today, the police service said they would take "necessary and proportionate action" against protestors who did not disperse when asked.

They said: "We are aware of groups intending to gather in Kingston on Saturday, 27 March, for the purpose of protest, despite the country remaining in lockdown to protect the public from the spread of coronavirus.

"Current government legislation makes gatherings in groups of more than two people unlawful, unless exemptions apply. Gathering for the purpose of a protest is not an exception under the Covid-19 regulations. The right to protest must be balanced against the rights of others and the protection of public health.

"In the interests of public health, we are telling people not to attend Kingston in order to gather to protest. By gathering in large numbers, there is a risk of spreading the virus that has claimed so many lives.

"A policing operation will be in place throughout the day to engage with people who are in breach of the regulations.

"Those gathering will be encouraged to return home, if they do not, they face necessary and proportionate enforcement action. This could be a fixed penalty notice, or arrest."

Nub News will be covering the protest and bring you the latest news and updates throughout the day.