Video shows police breaking up house parties, birthday bashes and late-night street gatherings in Leicestershire during lockdown

Police are warning that people will be fined if they flout the tough Covid lockdown after they broke up big house parties, car rallies, birthday bashes and late-night street gatehrings in Leicestershire.

Kerry Smith, Leicestershire Police Assistant Chief Constable, said the flagrant offenders had “no excuse” for their lawless behaviour as she branded their reasons for being outside “ridiculous”.

She hit out as officers handed out 142 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) totalling £57,800 to coronavirus culprits in the county last weekend alone.

“This lockdown is perhaps the most serious that Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland have experienced.

“The new strain of coronavirus is putting huge strain on our NHS and the death toll is rising each day,” said the force.

“Therefore it is shocking that a small number of people are choosing to ignore the rules and guidance set out by the Government.

“By these acts of defiance they are directly putting themselves and others at risk.

“Last Friday, the leaders of Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland held a press conference where their message very clear urging residents to stay in as much as possible and to follow the rules.

“Police, in particular, wanted to stress that it is important that you have a permitted excuse and that you stay near to home as possible.”

ACC Kerry Smith said: “Over the weekend we dealt with a number of incidents where people had no excuse for their behaviour.

“Some of the reasons for being outside were ridiculous and this is what officers are having to deal with.

“We cannot be clearer about how this is the only way to stop the spread of the virus.

“Stay at home, protect the NHS.

“There really is no excuse this far into the pandemic for people to be taking these risks.”

Many of the fines were dished out at the weekend to men from different households caught travelling in the same car.

The most blatant cases included:

- 37 fines were issued at Castle Donington where people gathered for a car event (Car Cruise). Many had travelled from out of county and had no reason to be there. (10 Jan)

- A couple from Huddersfield were fined as they were stopped in their vehicle. They said they were visiting a cousin. (8 Jan)

- Police were called to a private address in Stretton where six men were claiming to be having a business meeting over beer and food. All were from different households and none were bubbled together. (8 Jan)

- Officers spotted a number of people entering an address in Alfred Place, Leicester city centre, wearing party attire. When they made enquiries there were 30+ people at the address who were dispersed and the organisers fined. (9 Jan)

- Vehicle stopped at McDonald’s Wigston found to contain 4 males from different households (9 Jan)

- A man was fined after police found he was still taking customers in his nail bar in Stockwell. Two women waiting to have their nails done were also spoken to. (9 Jan)

- A man and a woman from Bradford fined once their vehicle was stopped in Leicester – no reasonable excuse given. (9 Jan)

- A man from Bradgate Drive, Coalville, was fined after he said he didn’t believe in the pandemic and that it was fine his brother went to visit him from Manchester. (9 Jan)

- Officers attended an address on Avenue Road Extension, Leicester, where a birthday party of around 11 people from different households had taken place. The household was fined. (10 Jan)

- Vehicle stopped with two men inside, one of which had travelled from Coventry to spend the night with his cousin. (10 Jan)

- Officers attended Leicester’s Belgrave Gate in the early hours of Sunday morning after a group of 20 people were seen in 4/5 cars, hugging and dancing in the street on CCTV. (10 Jan)

To watch a video of police tackling people flouting the lockdown rules go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywm0AUwTZKA