A SOUTHEND councillor has criticised the policing of protestors at royal funeral events following a number of high-profile arrests.

Since the proclamation of King Charles III, arrests have been made and protesters were moved on in London, Scotland and Oxford.

“The decision to arrest and charge people for protesting against the monarchy is absolutely baffling,” Labour councillor Matt Dent said.

“Particularly for heckling Prince Andrew.”

A 22-year-old woman was arrested in connection with a breach of the peace during the Accession Proclamation for the King outside Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral on Sunday.

Another alleged protester, a 22-year-old man, was arrested on the Royal Mile as footage appeared to show him heckling the royal procession.

Social media videos showed a man shouting at Andrew before bystanders pulled him to the ground.

In Oxford, Symon Hill, 45, was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence after shouting “who elected him?” when he came across a public formal reading of the proclamation of accession for the King. He was later de-arrested.

Meanwhile, a protester bearing a handmade sign saying “not my King” was spoken to by police and escorted away from the Palace of Westminster.

In England and Wales, offences of disorderly behaviour – such as threatening or abusive language, behaviour, signs or writing – which is likely to cause others present harassment, alarm or distress fall under section 5 of the Public Order Act and could lead to a fine.

A number of campaign groups have expressed concern at the way officers are policing protests as the new King is declared, with some warning the arrests may be unlawful.

Ruth Smeeth, chief executive of Index on Censorship, said the arrests were “deeply concerning”, adding: “The fundamental right to freedom of expression, including the right to protest, is something to be protected regardless of circumstance.”

Jodie Beck, policy and campaigns officer at Liberty, said: “Protest is not a gift from the State, it is a fundamental right. Being able to choose what, how, and when we protest is a vital part of a healthy and functioning democracy.”