Empty Park and no unlawful 'mass gathering'

Social media users urged Oxford residents to join a ‘mass gathering’ against lockdown in Hinksey Park and University Parks from 12pm today.

A poster circulating Facebook states: “Join the UK freedom movement and be a part of the largest mass gathering since the lockdown.

“We say no to the Coronavirus Bill, no to mandatory vaccines, no to the new normal and no to the unlawful lockdown.”

Read also: 'Mass gatherings' planned in Oxford to protest coronavirus lockdown

However, the only people in Hinskey Park were dog walkers, runners and Police community support officers doing a normal patrol of the park.

Responding to the plans for 'mass gatherings' in Oxford and other locations, Thames Valley Police Chief Superintendent Steve Williams said: "Thames Valley Police is aware of a number of mass gatherings being organised in the region this weekend.

"We are really grateful to those members of the public who have contacted us with their concerns and we are now reviewing this information and the reports we have received from the public. 

"We will continue to assess the information we have in the coming days to ensure that we are able to respond to any unlawful activity and enforce the law fairly and appropriately.

"As always our approach will be to engage, explain and encourage, with enforcement as a last resort.

“The government has been clear that they do not want large gatherings of people in public places as this poses a significant risk of transmission. Our local communities will also not want large gatherings when we are all trying to protect our loved-ones during this pandemic that has killed so many thousands of people."