THE police are preparing for protests this weekend, vowing to “take action” as a mass gathering is set to take place in defiance of lockdown measures.

The UK Freedom Movement, which believes the lockdown measures are unlawful, is plotting to host large gatherings on Brighton beach and “Bevendean Down” today.

There have been questions about how the force will be able to clamp down on people gathering after police were told they have no powers to enforce two-metre social distancing in England earlier this week.

But police in Brighton said they would “take action” to protect the community.

The force Tweeted: “We have plans in place to deal with planned protests organised in the region this weekend.

“Government guidance is clear – public gatherings are prohibited and people should not take part. We will take action to protect the wider community to help control the spread of coronavirus.”

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