Kettering anti-mask, anti-lockdown protest cancelled after organiser warned of £10,000 fine

A Kettering protest against lockdown measures was cancelled after a warning that the organiser would be issued with a £10,000 fine.

Yesterday police urged people to stay at home after revealing a 'small number of people' were considering holding an anti-mask, anti-lockdown protest in the town today (Sunday).

Hundreds of angry social media users hit out at the stupidity of holding the protest at a time where Kettering General Hospital is under huge pressure, with so many Covid patients it is temporarily moving its children's ward to provide extra space for those ill with the virus.

And after the furious reaction - and a warning that a £10,000 fine would be issued if the event went ahead - it was cancelled.

This afternoon a Kettering and Corby Neighbourhood Policing Team spokesman said: "Following our warning yesterday, the ‘anti-mask, anti-lockdown’ protest planned to take place in Kettering today has failed to materialise.

"Police officers informed the organiser of this protest that they would be issued with a £10,000 fine should the event go ahead.

"As a result of this, and the reaction to news of the protest by the majority of the public in Kettering, the event was cancelled.

"Officers are actively patrolling the area and are pleased to report there are no assembled groups at this time.

"Our thanks again goes to the vast majority of the public who continue to follow the rules in order to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 and protect the NHS."