The leader of an anti-monarchy group is among six people who have been arrested on their way to a protest site ahead of the King’s coronation.

The group from Republic were making their way to the designated protest site at Trafalgar Square.

Republic campaign for an elected head of state to replace the monarch and their CEO Graham Smith is among those being held, a fellow supporter has said. Footage on Twitter shows his details being taken by a police officer.

In the video, one officer can be heard saying: “They are under arrest, end of.”

The police declined to say what the protesters were being arrested for.

Sky News understands that six people, including Mr Smith, have been arrested.

Republic activist Luke Whiting, 26, said: “Six Republic members have been arrested including the CEO as the demonstration was starting at the edge of Trafalgar Square.

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“It is unclear why, potentially it is because one of them was carrying a megaphone.

“It is unclear exactly whether the police are using these new powers and whether they are misusing them to stop protest happening.”

Scotland Yard has been contacted for comment.

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