Video shows woman ranting at police officers forcing her to wear a mask
WATCH: Woman rants at police officers forcing her to wear a mask in supermarket
Police body-cam footage shows a woman swearing at officers as they ask her to wear a face covering to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The woman was threatened with arrest after launching a foul-mouthed rant during which she branded a fellow shopper "a sheep" and declared: "The government are full of s**t."
Footage released by West Midlands Police shows the woman asking "Is this really what it has boiled down to? You’re forcing people to wear masks?"
After being told "it’s the government that are requesting people" - she can be seen snapping back: "Well the government is full of s**t to be honest."
As the police officer explains: "It's government law, that's why this gentleman's got a face mask on,” the woman her anger on the passing shopper and tells him: "You all follow like a bunch of sheep."
She then asks what would happen if she refuses to leave the store, in Oldbury, West Midlands, and the officer informs her she could be fined.
On 24 July it became compulsory to wear face coverings in shops and on public transport in England.
However campaign groups have formed in resistance to the laws, claiming masks are ineffective, or an infringement on human rights.
The woman says "How are you going to fine me?" and the officer replies: "We have to arrest you."
She then can be heard sniggering and says: "So you're going to arrest me for not wearing a mask?"
She is then told she will be arrested for failing to give her details as she is breaching COVID restrictions.
She responds: "Do you know how much **** this sounds. Its ridiculous" before hurling her basket down in disgust and leaving the store.
The force issued the footage on social media as part of a warning that they were "getting tough" on people who refuse to wear face coverings in shops.
A post on the West Midlands Police Facebook page read: "It's simple: Unless you're exempt, you MUST wear a mask. If you refuse, you can be fined.
"This video shows how one woman refused our requests at Sainsbury's in Oldbury.
"It's more important than ever we all do our bit to keep each other safe from coronavirus."
Chief Constable Dave Thompson tweeted the clip and wrote: "We are committed to engaging, education, encouraging and enforcing as a last resort.
"However there can be no ambiguity by now that on public transport and in shops we must wear face coverings. Do it for others."
The video divided opinion on social but many blasted the woman's "selfish" actions.
Niven Smith wrote: "Theres always one. Its not the police fault its law passed by the government. Simples - if you don’t abide by the law you can get fined."
John Yates said: "This is why we're in a second lockdown, because of selfish idiots like her."
However, a poster called Bernadette Powell wrote: "I’m with this woman! Stop allowing yourselves to be so controlled!"
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