DUDLEY'S top cop has warned anyone attending a protest planned in Birmingham today that they could be fined or arrested.

West Midlands Police have urged people not to attend the event planned for today (Saturday January 16) which is believed to be an anti-lockdown protest.

The force has warned that protesting is not permitted during the current coronavirus lockdown and anyone attending could be hit with a fine or arrested.

Chief Superintendent Kim Madil, Dudley's Police Commander who is overseeing the event, said: “We want to make it very clear that participating in the protest is an offence so we are asking people not to attend."

She said people should stay at home at this time to avoid the risk of spreading Covid-19 and anyone attending the event could expect to be approached by police and asked to leave; and she added: "We will also consider issuing fines or making arrests for people that continue to refuse to co-operate.

“We all need to play our part by staying at home.

“We know that the vast majority of people are following these restrictions."

Police say they have not had any contact with the organiser the event, which is believed to be an anti-lockdown protest, and they urged those involved to get in touch with officers via Live Chat on the force website or by calling 101.