EFESydney, Australia

Thousands of people protested the lockdowns in force in Sydney on Saturday, resulting in brawls and arrests, as Covid-19 cases increased.

Protesters marched through the central business district of Australia's most populated city, under lockdown since June 27 and in force until next Friday, violating the order to stay in their homes.

The demonstration, which authorities had denied permission for, blacked traffic on some of the busiest roads in the city and saw clashes break out.

"A number of people have been arrested," New South Wales Police said in a statement.