BASILDON Council leader Gavin Callaghan has slammed the protestors for their actions.

The Labour boss also thanked police officers for their efforts on Saturday.

He said: “Covid-19 fatigue is real and understandable. Covid-19 denial isn’t. It’s just selfish and prolonging restrictions for everyone else.

“If you’re one of the people “protesting” against the virus today in Basildon town Centre, you really can do one.

“Amazing how many of Basildon’s Covid deniers have done so much in-depth research into this subject, and are much more on top of the facts and the details than the World Health Organisation or the Centre for Disease Control.

“Thanks to Essex Police for policing today’s anti-Covid-19 protest. Police officers and their families have been put in totally avoidable danger thanks to the idiotic protestors taking to our streets and causing trouble today.”

“I hope the protestors have the book thrown at them.”

He said the demonstrators were fighting science, irresponsible and each step of theirs was a nail in the coffin.

The leader also blasted them for putting police officers at risk of harm and said their views were invalid.

Mr Callaghan added: “This is a result of the Government’s failure to communicate with us.”