Cops have issued a total of £1,000 in fines to a group having a lockdown-breaking barbecue amid freezing temperatures and 40mph wind gusts.
Some five adults from three different houses and eight children were found enjoying the traditional summer activity despite snowfall in the area.
Officers descended on the home in Waskerley, Consett, Country Durham after a tip off and found that some of the crowd had travelled from up to 20 miles away.
Five £200 fines were issued to the adults who argued they did not know they were breaking the coronavirus rules, reports Chronicle Live.
They later accepted their wrongdoing and were sent home with their children, the youngest being just seven months old.
Superintendent Ritchie Allen, of Durham Constabulary, said: “The vast majority of people across our communities are sticking to the regulations and we would like thank them for thinking of others and doing their bit to keep everyone safe.
“However, some people are bending the rules and putting others at risk. While we know the stay at home guidance has been particularly challenging for many people, travelling to host a BBQ get together with other households is not acceptable.
“Those in attendance risked not only their own lives but also those of others and could put extra pressure on an already struggling NHS.
“We would rather the public follow the rules than have to resort to issuing Fixed Penalty Notices, but if we do get called to a blatant breach, we will look to issue fines to all those involved.
“Please think of others and if in doubt of the rules, check your local government website.”
