'Go home': 15 arrested after early morning protest blitz in Brisbane

Police have arrested 15 people and handed out 21 public infringement notices after quashing several attempts to protest Queensland's lockdown orders this morning in Brisbane.

A strong police presence was seen in Brisbane's CBD just before 9am, with authorities over the weekend warning potential protesters against a repeat of scenes seen in Sydney.

Of those arrested, 13 people were charged with contravening a direction and obstructing police.

Other offences included breach of bail and drug possession.

READ MORE: Queensland businesses given $5000 lockdown lifeline

A full carload of unmasked people heading for protest action in the city this morning was captured by 9News being arrested after refusing several officers directives. Deputy Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski called for all those thinking about protesting the state's orders to "Go Home" and to "put the interests of your community's safety ahead of your own views."

Eleven people were this afternoon released on bail with three people remaining in custody at the Brisbane watchhouse.

Police also handed out 21 public infringement notices to people for allegedly breaching COVID-19 restrictions in addition to 10 other infringements.

Earlier, Deputy Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski called for all those thinking about protesting the orders to "go home" and to "put the interests of your community's safety ahead of your own views".

"It's quite regrettable for us that we have to be out policing a protest this morning when we're in lockdown," Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.

A group of over a dozen people, appearing to be unmasked, also gathered at nearby at New Farm Park just before 12pm with a man being arrested nearby.

"People are given the opportunity to comply and choose not to, and we're left with no option but to take action.

"For those that think that what they want to do is more important than the broader community - wake up to yourself."

Officers were positioned along George Street, where they questioned both pedestrians and drivers for their reasons for being outside.

A "strong" presence of officers was seen in Brisbane's CBD just before 9am Monday, with authorities over the weekend warning against potential protesters to repeat scenes seen in Sydney last week.

Several unmasked occupants heading for protest action in the city were seen being detained after refusing police directives.

A group of over a dozen people, also appearing to be unmasked, gathered nearby at New Farm Park just before 12pm with a man being arrested nearby.



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