COUNCILLORS expressed their frustration at the "flagrant breach of regulations" after scenes from a demonstration by over 400 people in Bradford city centre yesterday.

The event, The North Unites rally, started in Centenary Square but spilled out into the surrounding streets with police attempting to contain them.

While the majority of the protesters were peaceful, a total of nine police officers were injured, 13 people were arrested and 19 people were fined for Covid breaches. A number of dispersal orders were also issued.

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said: "I have rung the police and thanked them for everything they did on Saturday to keep the city safe. The vast majority of the protesters, we believe, were from outside Bradford. 

"Given the district has made so many sacrifices over the last year to keep the infection rate down and save lives, it was immensely frustrating to see this gathering in flagrant breach of the regulations. These regulations are there to protect others, not just ourselves and need to be respected. 

"The vaccination programme is a really important part of our recovery and is going well in Bradford. These protesters cannot derail this.

"Whilst the vaccination roll-out is still ongoing, the regulations about Hands, Face, Space still need to be observed. We have come so far, let’s not squander the benefits of the sacrifices we have made."

Councillors in Bradford's City ward, Cllr Aneela Ahmed, Cllr Nazam Azam and Cllr Shakeela Lal, issued a joint statement.

They said: "We are very disappointed that a number of the gathered protesters had no mask, no social distancing and had caused disruption to others.

"We are also very sad and disappointed to hear that nine police officers were injured in the proceedings of the afternoon, and 13 arrests have been made.

"We would like to take the opportunity to thank the police in handling the situation with calm and precision, and acting swiftly upon concerns when and where they were raised.

"The vaccination process in Bradford is going well but  we would encourage the continuing importance of Hands, Face, Space. 

Cllr Ahmed added: "As well as being a councillor I am also a front line NHS worker and I have seen the devastation that Covid brings to our community and our families. No protester will ever be able to convince me otherwise."