A Kill the Bill protest is underway in Kent amid ongoing nationwide demonstrations.

A group of more than 60 is marching from the Leas Bandstand to Folkestone's police station.

There is a police presence at the march but there are currently no issues between officers and the group.

Shouts of "kill the bill" can be heard repeatedly from the group, who are carrying various placards with messages directed at the government.

The demonstration against the new Police, Crime and Sentencing and Courts Bill follows larger gatherings in London, Manchester, Leeds and Southampton that took place yesterday.

The organisers of the Folkestone rally, Extinction Rebellion Thanet, encouraged people to wear masks and stay socially distanced.

A police spokesman said yesterday that the force was "well resourced" to react if there was any disorder.

He said: "Kent Police received no formal notification of a pre-planned demonstration taking place in Folkestone on April 3, however the force is aware of posts advertising a possible event.

"Officers have reviewed all available information and will continue to monitor the situation. There is currently nothing to suggest there will be significant disruption.

"Should any gatherings take place, Kent Police is well resourced to deal with any incident of spontaneous disorder.

"Anyone attending such an event is also reminded to ensure they adhere to the government’s guidance on social distancing."

The first Kill the Bill protest in Bristol on March 21 descended into a riot, with subsequent rallies on March 23 and 26 also ending in clashes between the police and protesters.

A further demonstration on March 30 passed off peacefully.

The proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill would give police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those deemed 'too noisy' or 'a nuisance', with those convicted liable to face fines or jail terms.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone