Police respond as anti-Covid vaccination protesters gain access to Ringwood School grounds

POLICE were called to Ringwood School this morning (Monday) as a small group of anti-Covid vaccination protesters forced their way onto its grounds.

The alarm was raised around 8.20am amid reports six people demonstrating against pupils being given the jab had turned up at the school in Parsonage Barn Lane. They gained entry via the reception area.

Twelve patrol cars were said to have been at the scene while officers dealt with the incident as both the Hampshire force and the school assured there was no danger to youngsters or staff.

Both parties described the protest as “peaceful”, and no arrests were made, although one local resident reported the demonstrators had tried to take photographs of the pupils queuing for their jabs.

A police spokesperson said: “We attended a protest which took place earlier today at Ringwood School in Parsonage Barn Lane, with six individuals gaining access to a property.

“Officers were deployed to the scene and spoke to the six people as part of our work to facilitate the protesters’ right to demonstrate peacefully and to ensure the safety of attendees and the wider public in the local Ringwood area.

“No arrests have been made.”

The spokesperson added: “Our neighbourhood policing teams play a vital role in maintaining and developing communication and relationships with the community, our partners, protesters and counter-protesters.”

A post on the school’s Facebook page said: “This morning we had a very small number of anti-vaccination protesters at school.

“There was no risk, the protest was peaceful and the small group moved on after a discussion with the police.

“There was a significant staff presence to ensure that our students were safe.”