The Metropolitan Police are investigating a video which has been shared online showing thugs who were harassing Professor Chris Whitty and placed him in a headlock.
England’s chief medical officer was grabbed by two men which was filmed by a third person and they were shouting “oi oi” and said “one photo please.”
Professor Whitty who looked visibly shaken attempted to walk away and the thugs grabbed him again and there was a line of police vans in the background.
A voice can then be heard “Leave the gentleman alone,” then the video ends.
Footage has emerged of Professor Chris Whitty being manhandled by two men in the street.
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The Metropolitan Police tweeted, “We are aware of a video being shared online showing an incident in St James’s Park.
“Officers spoke to all those involved at the time and their details were taken.
“We are in contact with the victim and the circumstances continue to be investigated.”
The Prime Minister criticised the “intimidation” of England’s chief medical officer whilst the police are investigating the incident.
Boris Johnson tweeted, “I’m shocked at seeing the despicable harassment of Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty.
“I condemn the behaviour of these thugs.
“Our hard-working public servants should not have to face this kind of intimidation on our streets and we will not tolerate it.”
The Health Secretary, Sajid Javid said, “The CMO works tirelessly on behalf of the country,” he tweeted.
“We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour towards our public servants. The men behaving in this disgraceful way should be ashamed.”
A number of MPs have condemned those men who were involved in the video and there are calls for police protections for key government scientific advisors.
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi blasted the thugs and tweeted, “This is disgusting and these thugs must be found and charged.
“Zero tolerance for harassing a public servant.”
Labour MP Jess Phillips said Prof Whitty had been made to feel “awful and uncomfortable” and issued a reminder that public figures “are human beings”.
“Even if you perceive it as non violent it is clear that he felt awful and uncomfortable and resisted,” Ms Phillips tweeted.
“Public figures are not dolls, they are human beings, it is stunning how easily this is forgotten.”