THE OWNERS of Ripped Gym in Harlow were arrested at an anti-lockdown protest in Liverpool at the weekend.

Merseyside Police reported that 27 people were arrested on Saturday for public order offences and breaches of Coronavirus legislation in Liverpool City Centre.

A number of films on social media showed Ripped Gym owners Damien Wyatt and Michelle Meade Wyatt being arrested by police.

They appear to be in a “dispersal zone” (see below). Films show Mr Wyatt being arrested and restrained by a number of police officers.

It appears the arrest was being filmed by Mrs Wyatt but soon after she is also arrested and placed in a police van.

Entries on the Ripped Gym Facebook page, indicated that they were later released.

Earlier this month, Mrs Wyatt appeared before Southend magistrates charged with breaching Coronavirus legislation.

She was granted unconditional bail. At the time, she gave a Liverpool address.

Owner of Ripped Gym makes first appearance in court over Covid breach allegation

Demonstrators were asked not to attend at the city centre in order to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

Merseyside Police had already issued a dispersal zone in the city centre and south Liverpool ahead of the protests.

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said: “The order has been brought in following a gathering last weekend (Nov 7th) which was in contravention of the Coronavirus legislation.

“This order has been authorised in order to protect lives, prevent the spread of Coronavirus and keep people safe.”

https://www.merseyside.police.uk/news/merseyside/news/2020/november/dispersal-zone—liverpool-city-centre-and-south-liverpool/

Following the day’s event, Merseyside Police issued a statement.

Merseyside Police Superintendent Diane Pownall said: “Working with our partners, our job is to keep everybody safe and I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who are doing all they can to help protect us all, including our frontline officers and emergency services and NHS staff.

“The rules apply to everybody and it is unfair – and unlawful – when people choose to ignore them for their own selfish and misguided reasons. This is dangerous and irresponsible behaviour which could endanger the people of Liverpool who are working to ensure we can leave lockdown safely.

“We have spent considerable time engaging with the public to explain the current regulations and I know the vast majority of the public will support us as we continue to take action against those who choose to deliberately break the law.”

YH has contacted Merseyside Police for more details of the Wyatt’s arrest.