British Prime Minister Boris Johnson denounced the “despicable harassment” of Chris Whitty, who advises the government on medical matters.
Images appeared on social media on Monday showing the top adviser being grabbed by two men while walking down the street.
Whitty, who has faced intimidation more often because of his role in the corona crisis, was held by two yelling men while one of them filmed the incident. The images show that the advisor, with difficulty, broke away from the laughing duo.
“I condemn the behaviour of these villains,” Johnson said on Twitter. “Our hardworking officials should not undergo this kind of harassment, and we will not tolerate it.” Other high-ranking politicians also expressed their distaste. Vaccination Minister Nadhim Zahawi called it a “disgusting” incident and called for criminal charges.
British police say they are investigating the incident, which took place in a park in London on Sunday. The police have spoken to everyone involved.
