Anti-vax protesters clash with police in central London hours before capital plunges into Tier 3 Covid restrictions

ANTI-VAXXERS clashed with police during angry protests in London as Matt Hancock announced the capital will be plunged into the highest set of restrictions.

More than 200 people gathered at the demonstration outside of Westminster before they were met by police.

Those involved brandished signs with anti-lockdown, anti-mask and anti-vaccine mantras.

One sign read: "It's not a virus. They are trying to control you! Turn off the Tv, wake up, rise up. Take back your life and your future."

Pictures show police handcuffing several members of the protest as they tried to make their way past the houses of parliament.

Police detained several protesters but have not yet commented on the number of arrests made.

STANDUP X

The march was organised by StandUp X using an encrypted Telegram messaging service after the group ordered it's Twitter followers to download the app.

They wrote: "Please can everyone download Telegram and join our StandUp X channel.

"We have 15K members on here, it’s so important that you all copy and paste this link and stay connected in your local towns."

StandUp X has become one of the largest anti-mask protests groups in the UK with members like Piers Corbyn leading the way.

It came as Matt Hancock announced that London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire will be plunged into Tier 3 from tomorrow night.

Mr Hancock said in some areas the doubling time of the number of new cases is as short as seven days, and a new variant of the virus has emerged ripping through the south east of England.

Those who took part in the march are now at risk of being arrested and fined for flouting coronavirus restrictions.

Met Police have been contacted for comment.