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The Deputy Chief Medical Officer, who has been instrumental in the rollout of the UK’s coronavirus immunisation programme, was targeted in Westminster.
He was accused of “genocide” and “continually lying to the British people”.
Professor Van Tam refused to engage with the protester as he made his way through the street while being filmed and shouted at.
Slamming the abuse hurled at the scientist, the Prime minister’s official spokesman said: “People working to fight the pandemic, which is what Professor Van Tam is doing every single day, should never face that kind of appealing behaviour for doing their job.
“The right to free speech is fundamental but threats of violence or intimidation is never acceptable.”
Professor Van Tam has ascended to national treasure status in the eyes of the British public during the pandemic.
Regularly appearing next to ministers at televised coronavirus briefings, he has become fondly known for using football analogies to make his point.
Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has also been subjected to abuse on the street before, while last week BBC Newsnight journalist Nick Watt was forced to seek cover in Downing Street after being chased by an anti-vax mob in Whitehall.
More to follow…
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