FLYERS have been strewn across Hampshire inviting people to a mass gathering against the lockdown - leaving many residents angry.

It was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday that people could do unlimited exercise rather than the previous restriction of one daily exercise.

However, lockdown measures still instruct people to keep up social distancing of two metres and to stay alert.

But now, organisers of the mass gathering event due to take place on Southampton Common, are encouraging people to "say no to the coronavirus bill" and "no to the unlawful lockdown".

Residents across the region fear it could contribute to a second peak in the coronavirus pandemic.

One person said: "Just look at Germany. They eased their lockdown on Wednesday. This weekend they had a rise in cases. Enough said. Stay safe people."

While another said: "Let them do it. In fact, encourage them to do it, it's Darwinism. But would also like them to agree not to expect NHS treatment once they are infected."

One event is set to take place on Saturday at 12pm, as well as another mass gathering event on Sunday afternoon, at Debenhams Park near the skate ramp.

A flyer reads: "When the 'new normal' is filled with starvation, depression, suicide, child abuse, domestic violence, imprisonment, governmental spying, and pure desperation, the virus is going to look preferable to the world you helped facilitate.

"If you're willing to give up your freedom for fake safety, you really don't deserve either."

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary wrote on social media: "We’ve been getting a number of reports about a UK Mass Gathering taking place on Saturday 16th May on Southampton Common.

"Thank you for the reports, we have now gathered enough information regarding this potential event."

Hampshire Police have been contacted for further comment.