The Metropolitan Police Service Commander of Public Order is strongly advising people not to attend or organise public gatherings.

This follows news of a protest in Kingston today.

The MPS Commander of Public Order released an open letter this morning addressed to organisers and participators in public gatherings.

They said: "The MPS strongly advises people not to attend any gathering, for the protection of yourselves and others.

"We are still in the middle of a global pandemic.

"Please be advised that you may also be at risk of committing a criminal offence.

"Under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020 (as amended) no person in a Tier 4 area may participate in a gathering of more than 2 people in a public outdoor place (or 2 or more people in any other outdoor place, such as the outdoor area of any private premises), unless certain exemptions apply.

"There are exemptions that apply to gatherings, for example those that are necessary for the purposes of work, providing emergency assistance or escaping the risk of harm. This open letter does not contain all the provisions."

The letter continued: "If you attend a gathering that breaches the Regulations, you may be committing an offence, which is punishable by a fine.

"In certain circumstances, if you hold a gathering of over 30 persons and you do not meet the requirements of the Regulations you might be committing a different offence, which is also punishable by a fine.

"It is also an offence to encourage others to unlawfully participate in a gathering (contrary to s44 or 45 of the Serious Crime Act 2007). Police officers will take appropriate enforcement action where necessary.

"It is your responsibility to check the current position and ensure you are not committing an offence by being involved in a gathering.

"We urge anyone arranging a gathering to inform your local police.

"We all need to continue to do our part to prevent the spread of the virus."

Full details of the legislation cited are available https://www.legislation.gov.uk/?fbclid=IwAR24_PdCLxTDnuP8gTx9UXg4HjoiTnmOPhGBT5F4EAagpWyg9HfrOMyfazY

The letter was shared on the Kingston Police Facebook page.

Police yesterday gave a statement on a protest that is planned to take place in Kingston town centre today.

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."