What the 'mass gatherings' looked like in Plymouth today
One man, who was with his two children, was overheard asking another couple if they were there for the "mass gathering"
Photographs show what the planned 'mass gatherings' in Plymouth looked like today - and there was a meagre turnout.
Police issued warnings for the public to avoid all mass gatherings that had been advertised to take place across the region, in protest against the Government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK - even though mass gatherings remain banned under the latest advice.
According to flyers that had been circulated on social media platforms, there were two mass gatherings that had been advertised to take place in Plymouth, by The UK Freedom Movement - one at Central Park and one at Devonport Park.
Both gatherings were said to take place at 12pm and whilst both parks were relatively busy with families, dog walkers and sunseekers enjoying the beautiful weather - all whilst social distancing - there was no sign of big groups.
Restrictions were eased by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday, meaning that people are allowed to travel as far as they want to enjoy the outdoors.
People can also leave their home as many times as they want, as long as social distancing is in place.
One man, who was at Devonport Park with his two young children, was overheard asking another couple lounging on the grass if they were there for the "mass gathering" - and they said they were.
The man said he "thought there would be more people" in attendance and questioned if everyone was walking around individually looking for the gathering - all whilst socially distancing from the couple he was talking to.
Pictures showed that the majority of people in the parks were families playing games, enjoying picnics and walking their dogs while following social distancing guidelines.
Scroll down to see what each park looked like today
Graffiti carrying a hostile message about Prime Minister Boris Johnson did appear at Central Park today, despite there being no sign of a gathering.
The words 'Boris kills' has been sprawled across the tarmac in red paint, near to the clock tower at the popular family park.
The same graffiti has appeared on Plymouth Hoe and Stonehouse Creek over the past few weeks and was reported to Plymouth City Council, who then removed the message.
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The message appeared today as mass gatherings were suggested to be taking place across the city, in protest against the Government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK.
But many of the organised locations in Plymouth and across the region were left empty with a mere handful of people looking for gatherings.
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Devon and Cornwall Police Force Incident Manager confirmed this morning the force was aware of several gatherings suggested to take place across the region earlier today.
She urged members of the public to avoid attending any gathering.
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The mass gatherings were advertised by by The UK Freedom Movement.
The political organisation is campaigning against what they describe as an "unlawful" lockdown and the current coronavirus legislation, as well as "the new normal".
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But pictures show that people at the locations advertised were adhering to the Government's relaxed restrictions.
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Many families were enjoying the sunshine, but were not gathered together.
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