AN ANTI-LOCKDOWN group gathered on the seafront before setting off on a protest march.

Members of StandUpX congregated by the Peace Statue in Hove ahead of the event, which was due to start at 2pm.

They are now marching along the city's promenade.

Chants of "no more lockdown" can be heard.

The Argus:

A member of the group told The Argus the group has a pro-freedom and anti-lockdown stance, and will be taking part in a peaceful demonstration in support of these views and "save our rights".

The group's website states: "We do not consent to the illegal and disproportionate COVID-19 measures. 

The Argus:

"We are living in a state of authoritarian control.  

"We do not consent to Government social distancing measures infringing upon public and private life."

The group is also against enforced masks, 5G, "mandated vaccinations" and any tracking and tracing sytems, the website says.

StandUpX has previously hosted protests in London in recent months.

There have been demonstrations in areas such as Peckham and Camden with those taking part holding signs saying: "Say no to vaccines.

"Say no to masks.

"Say no to tyranny.

"Covid is a lie."

The Argus:

There have been 309,005 cases of coronavirus in the UK, according to the latest Public Health England figures, with 871 positive tests confirmed in the 24 hours leading up to 5pm on Thursday.

Nationally, there have been 46,511 deaths of people who have tested positive for the illness, with 98 further fatalities in the 24 hours leading up to 9am yesterday.

The latest Government updates continue to encourage people to adhere to social distancing rules, staying two metres apart from others not from their household if possible.

The Argus: Boris Johnson says "ways to make cricket more Covid-secure" are still being worked on (PA).

Face masks are also now mandatory in areas including cinemas, community centres, shops, banks and supermarkets, as well as on public transport.

A Government spokesman said: "The most important thing we can all do in fighting coronavirus is to stay alert.

"We must control the spread of the virus, in order to protect the NHS and save lives."

Keep up-to-date with all the latest information through our live blog>>>