WEST Yorkshire Police has released a statement following a protest in Leeds city centre yesterday.

Around "350 to 400 people" attended the 'Kill the Bill' demonstration, which began in Millennium Square.

Similar protests have been held across the country, perhaps most notably in Bristol, as protestors campaign against a controversial new law which will give police greater powers when it comes to cracking down on peaceful protests.

Yesterday's demonstration "passed off without incident", police said, and no arrests were made.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "At 1pm on Friday, April 2, between 350 to 400 people began a demonstration in Millennium Square in Leeds. 

"Officers monitored the event, which was attended by a number of groups, and passed off without incident.

"Protestors also conducted a march from and back to Millennium Square via St George Street and the Headrow.

"No arrests were made by police and those attending the event demonstrated social distancing and mask-wearing during the static demonstration."

Chief Superintendent Kate Riley of West Yorkshire Police who commanded the policing operation, added: "West Yorkshire Police is continuing to work hard to keep the public safe during the ongoing threat from coronavirus, and we are pleased this demonstration and march has passed off without incident.

“Officers engaged with those present to ensure public safety."

She added: “We are grateful that those attended the demonstration did so peacefully, with no disorder or incidents of note occurring.”