POLICE are warning they will "take enforcement action if necessary" at a protest planned in Somerset today (Sunday).

The demonstration is set to take place in Glastonbury town centre at lunchtime following a similar event last weekend.

Officers will attend and are pleading with anyone who turns up to observe the coronavirus guidelines on unnecessary travel and social distancing.

Police have engaged with organisers to outline their responsibilities with respect to not doing anything that could spread the virus.

Superintendent Andy Bennett has written an open letter saying: "We want to assure residents that our clear and pressing duty is to prioritise public safety and make sure Government measures to stop the spread of coronavirus are followed."

While acknowledging people's rights to stage protests, he adds: "We have a clear and pressing need to make sure the rights of the public to be protected and kept safe are prioritised and the Government measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus are followed."

He promises a "fair and proportionate" police response to the event in the Market Place, but says officers will "take enforcement action if necessary".

Supt Bennett adds: "It's important we all look out for each other during this health emergency and act as one community to stop this deadly virus from spreading."