Over 300 people gathered for an anti-mask protest this afternoon at Stormont in Belfast.
Fixed penalty notices were given out and a number of arrests were made.
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said the number of people and the lack of social distancing were in stark contrast with assurances given by the organisers in the days leading up to the event.
“Police engaged with the organisers before and during the protest in an attempt to encourage them to disperse and comply with the Health Protection Regulations. Unfortunately both the organisers and participants did not cooperate with these requests and continued in breach of the regulations,” he said.
“We will also conduct follow up enquiries to seek to identify others who may have committed offences.
“The Health Protection Regulations, particularly at this time with increased restrictions in place, are there to protect us all during this pandemic and it is everyone’s responsibility to adhere to them to protect our society.”