A SPATE of arrests against republican protesters in the wake of the Queen’s death has been described as “an affront to democracy” and an abuse of the law.

In response to growing criticism of the police response to anti-monarchy protests, the Metropolitan Police has insisted that people “absolutely have the right to protest” against the royals. 

It came after an officer was filmed on Monday evening warning a barrister that he would risk arrest if he wrote “Not my King” on a blank placard.