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Woman assaulted at anti-vaxxer protest near The Abbey School in Faversham

Police were called after a woman was assaulted during an anti-vaxxer protest at a school this morning.

The campaigners reportedly blocked a footbridge near The Abbey School in Faversham, which is one of the main routes across the A2.

Anti-vaxxers outside The Abbey School in Faversham. Picture: Hannah Perkin
Anti-vaxxers outside The Abbey School in Faversham. Picture: Hannah Perkin

Officers were called at 8.20am to an anti-vaxxer protest, where activists accosted children with leaflets.

A police spokesperson said: "During the gathering, an attendee is alleged to have assaulted a woman.

"The victim has not reported sustaining any injuries and enquiries to establish the full circumstances remain ongoing."

Protesters were seen holding a banner, which said: "The children are our future".

Abbey ward councillor Hannah Perkin (Lib) said: "They were there this morning giving out pamphlets.

"I’m just really shocked that they would be targeting young people with their action.

Police were called to The Abbey School, Faversham. Picture: Google Street View
Police were called to The Abbey School, Faversham. Picture: Google Street View

"They were at one point blocking people entering the bridge which is obviously quite dangerous. But The Abbey School dealt with it really efficiently and the police did.

"It is just really shocking [that they are doing this] despite all the evidence vaccines are causing a huge drop in the number of fatalities. So it’s just fake news really."

It comes after another anti-vaxxer group pitched up outside the Simon Langton Girls' Grammar School on Monday.

Parents were told the group will be targeting various Canterbury schools throughout this week.

The demonstration comes as the government prepares to make a decision on whether to offer the vaccine to all healthy 12 to 15-year-olds, despite advisers deciding against recommending a mass rollout.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) decided against backing the move on health grounds alone because Covid-19 presents such a low risk to younger teenagers.

But Professor Chris Whitty and the three other chief medical officers in the UK are reviewing the wider benefits of vaccinating the age group, such as minimising school absences, and are expected to present their findings soon.

About six million children are believed to have avoided contracting coronavirus so far.

The government is awaiting expert advice before making a final decision but ministers have indicated they are keen on authorising a wider rollout.

A poll of KentOnline readers found the majority of people are in favour of children having the jab.

Anyone with information on the assault can call police on 01795 419119 quoting 46/169646/21.

Read more: All the latest news from Faversham

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