Anti-vaccine protests take place in Belfast and Dublin

Q Radio News/PA

Hundreds of anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine protesters marched through Belfast city centre on Saturday.

Many held placards and signs displaying anti-vaccine messages.

The rally moved on to Botanic Gardens where a number of speeches took place.

The PSNI observed the event and maintained a low-key presence but made demonstrators aware they were taking part in an illegal protest.

Superintendent Nigel Henry said: “Police are in attendance at a notified procession in the vicinity of Belfast City Hall this afternoon.

“Officers have engaged with those present, including the organiser, in relation to the significant volume of people in attendance – some of whom were on the road – to ensure public safety.

“Police will continue to monitor the situation this afternoon.

“We will review footage gathered and consider any suspected breaches of the Public Processions (NI) Act 1998.”

A protest at Botanic Gardens, Belfast

Far-right activists and anti-vaccine protesters held a demonstration in Dublin against Covid-19 jabs and ongoing restrictions in Ireland.

Around 1,500 protesters gathered outside Custom House in Dublin, as roads were blocked and traffic forced to a standstill.

Protesters held anti-vaccine signs and chanted “freedom” as they walked through the city.

Others held placards with anti-lockdown messages, while others waved Irish flags, Irish county flags as well as American and Polish flags.

Protesters gathered at Custom House Quay before making their way along O’Connell Street and then to Government Buildings where a number of speeches took place.

Maskless demonstrators also spoke out against the Covid certs being rolled out for indoor dining and international travel.

A large Garda operation was in place throughout the city, which included public order unit vans as well as Garda prison vans on standby.