POLICE have issued a statement ahead of a ‘Unite for Women Strike’ which is due to take place today.

The protest is to start at The Peace Statue at 1pm this afternoon, according to a poster that has been shared with The Argus.

Sussex Police said they are “aware” of the protest and that public safety is their “top priority.”

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: “Officers will continue to engage with people and keep explaining the Covid-19 restrictions which remain in place at this time and urge the public to carry on supporting us in our efforts to prevent the further spread of the virus.

“Public safety is, and always will be the police's top priority, and this hasn’t changed throughout our approach to the pandemic.”

Some lockdown rules were eased on Monday, meaning “Covid-secure protests or picketing” are now permitted.

According to the coronavirus guidance issued by the government, protests can go ahead “where the organiser has taken the required precautions, including the completion of a risk assessment.”

A member of the group Brighton Youth Black Lives Matter, who are supporting the strike, said: “The event is for girls across Brighton and Hove schools to stand up for sexual harassment, rape and assault and get schools to take it seriously.”

Anyone attending is asked to wear a face covering and volunteers from non-profit group Mask Up will be providing free masks and hand sanitiser.