A 'RECKLESS' group of parents with their children flocked to the heart of Wantage in an anti-lockdown protest.

Fellow members of the public were 'gobsmacked' when they spotted the large number of demonstrators flouting Covid-19 rules in the town centre at around midday on Sunday.

The mask-free action, which was a blatant breach of current lockdown restriction, saw the protestors gather around the statue of King Alfred holding 'Virus Means Freedom' banners.

Thames Valley Police confirmed that officers attended the scene and the group was dispersed.

ALSO READ: EE to extend 4G coverage in rural Oxfordshire locations

However, participants were not arrested or handed out a fine for breaching lockdown restrictions.

A spokesperson for the force commented: "We were made aware of a group of people who were gathered in Market Place, Wantage at around 12.30pm on Sunday..

"Officers attended the scene and the people dispersed.

"Thames Valley Police will continue to engage, encourage and explain the legislation around coronavirus.

"We would encourage the public to abide by the restrictions currently in place in order to stop an increase in transmission of the virus which is still apparent within our communities."

Heated discussions about freedom of speech and the freedom to protest started on social media shortly after the rally, and while some people did not object to the group's actions, others were furious.

Those taking part were heavily criticised and called 'disrespectful and 'reckless'.

ALSO READ: Warning over new Royal Mail scam sweeping the county

According to Wantage and Grove Brook ward councillor Jenny Hannaby, the group, which she believes was mainly made up of people who travelled from Didcot, did not notify the town council of their planned action.

While she did not witness the demonstration, Ms Hannaby said they would have showed 'good manners' to get in touch with the local authority.

The councillor added: "Doctors and nurses are working their socks off to vaccinate everyone, so you do have to ask the question whether these people who were protesting have any respect for them.

"It was definitely not the right thing to do at the current circumstances when we are all working so hard to keep the number of positive cases low in Wantage.

"This was all very disrespectful."

Currently, Wantage Town is one of 26 areas in Oxfordshire with fewer than three Covid-19 cases in the week leading up to February 23, according to the latest Government data available.

ALSO READ: Man jailed for harassing two women

Elsewhere opposition to lockdown restrictions also has led to people being charged with hundreds arrested across the country facing charges.

Ms Hannaby commented further: "I really wish that I had gone out to see the protest for myself.

"We cannot condemn people for having an opinion – not a very useful one of course.

"These people are free to have their thoughts and I want to hear what they have to say, even though I do not support them.

"However, if they had been in touch with us, we would have pointed them to the letter of the law."