Several hundred people, including far-right activists, have gathered to demonstrate in central London's Parliament Square despite police warnings to stay home to contain the coronavirus.
Dozens gathered around the statue of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the Cenotaph war memorial, both boarded up. Officials fear far-right activists will seek confrontation with anti-racism protesters Saturday under the guise of protecting statues.
Paul Golding, leader of the far-right group Britain First, said activists have turned out to "guard our monuments."