Sean Ward is slammed after joining thousands of mask-free protesters for anti-lockdown march

Actor Sean Ward has been condemned by social media followers after taking part in an anti-lockdown demonstration over the weekend. 

The Our Girl star joined thousands of mask-free protesters as they thoughtlessly marched from Hyde Park to St Paul’s Cathedral and back to Westminster ahead of the anniversary of the first UK lockdown, which began on March 23 2020.

Ward, 32, filmed himself travelling to London by car before taking part in the mass event, from which she shared a series of video updates on Instagram.  

Without a face covering in sight, the actor – who has also appeared in Coronation Street – posed for cheerful selfies with pals as they crammed in to rally against restrictions brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. 

‘Worst Bill since Gates,’ he announced in reference to Britain’s third national lockdown. ‘This is happening all over the world now, in every major city. This shouldn’t be happening, we shouldn’t need to convince this many people. 

‘The psychological trauma that so many people have been put under has to end. Someone has to be held accountable for it.’ 

Captioning a video of the demonstration, he added: ‘Over 80,000 people. All ages. Races. Creeds. All standing together for our basic human rights. I know it’s easy to give up our rights in such terrible times as now hoping you’re doing your bit and helping but it won’t be temporary. 

‘Once we loose the right to protest and your basic human rights. It’s game over. The irony of it all is we can’t all be crazy. Look at how many people are there. That’s 80,000 mums, dads brothers sisters. 

‘We aren’t all conspiracy theorist who hate the nhs. Quite the opposite. I have nhs whistleblowers in my DMs. Theres a lot going on behind the smoke and mirrors of constant fear. It’s deep. Stay powerful.’ [sic]

However his appearance at the event divided his 164,000 Instagram followers, with many slamming the star for his perceived stupidity. 

Commenting on the post, one disappointed fan wrote: ‘Sorry Sean but I am unfollowing you, I’ve been here since our girl started and I’ve stayed because everyone is entitled to their own opinions but promoting this is a step too far for me whilst my friends husband is currently fighting for his life and all these people who won’t vaccinate and protest are just spreaders. Shame on you all.’

A second added: ‘I don’t understand this. Do these people not believe covid is real or don’t believe in the vaccine or don’t care which is it??? We know the vaccine doesn’t stop the virus spreading. But medical research shows us its 99% effective in lowering the awful symptoms. 

‘No one’s claiming it cures the virus. I’m confused as to what these people are angry about? Freedom? I’m pretty free here sitting in the park enjoying the sun mask on if need be near many people. What’s the issue? People are dying from this god awful virus. Stop this. You’d soon all need the NHS if you caught it. These NHS workers and key workers. Thank god for them!’ 

While a third commented: ‘We are in lockdown!! Wtf! Ridiculous. Irresponsible. What a k**b. How to ruin your ‘career.”

Another furious follower wrote: ‘Idiots. And to think they allow people like you to breed. SHAKE MY HEAD.’ 

However others supported Ward, with one writing: ‘Why people announce they are unfollowing what do you want him to say please don’t, he was fighting for your freedom, even if you don’t agree, and hundreds and thousands more were around the world love and light.

‘Seemingly in agreement, a second added: ‘Absolutely love this! Gutted I couldn’t go.’  

The Metropolitan Police walked with protesters on their route along Oxford Street, Chancery Lane, the Embankment and Parliament Square before heading up Whitehall.

Among those attending the march were controversial actor Laurence Fox and Piers Corbyn, brother of the former Labour Party leader Jeremy.

Crowds that gathered in Trafalgar Square were dispersed, while other demonstrators returned to Hyde Park.

But police were met with more hostile responses there later in the evening, as protesters threw bottles and cans at them and some officers were later forced to run back to their vans.

A group of around 100 chased police vehicles, punching and kicking them, as they left the area.

Members of the public left the park, with small children carried by their parents.

Around 100 police officers wearing riot helmets and carrying shields then arrived and urged people to go home.

The Met said 36 people had been arrested by 6.45pm, many for breaching Covid regulations.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, who led the policing operation, said while the majority in attendance caused no trouble, there were pockets of disorder with crowds throwing bottles and other missiles and a number of officers were assaulted.

On a challenging day for the force, officers tried to explain to people their actions were unlawful under Covid-19 regulations, and encouraged them to go home to protect themselves and others during the public health crisis.

“Where this approach did not work and officers were met with hostility, police enforced the regulations and made arrests,” he said.

DAC Taylor added: “We once again saw police come under fire from missiles thrown by people in crowds, and several were injured as a result of targeted assaults.

“It is totally unacceptable and saddening that officers enforcing regulations that are there to protect us all were the victims of violent attacks. I wish them a speedy recovery.

“Many of those on duty in central London today should have been in their local communities dealing with violent crime and other local issues, but they played a role in reducing the risk of Covid-19 spreading by dispersing crowds.”