The organiser of a wedding could be slapped a £10,000 fine after police shut down a reception attended by more than 50 guests.
Cops were called to a ceremony held in an industrial estate on Saturday evening to find a large number of people in breach of Covid-19 restrictions, The Mirror reports.
Officers spoke with the bride and groom, whose explanation was that only 15 guests were invited but other people kept arriving throughout the day with gifts and stayed.
As a result of the rule flout, 37 people were reported for consideration of a fixed penalty notice and the organiser, who officiated the wedding, faces possible a £10,000 fine.
The wedding was held in Barking in London, which is currently a coronavirus hotspot and has the highest infection rate in the UK capital, with 298.7 per 100,000 of the population.
London is currently in tier 2 of England's lockdown system, which only permits 15 guests at a wedding.
In Scotland, 20 people can attend a marriage ceremony in levels 1 to 4 - and 50 in level 0.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman said members of the public needed to remember the country is "still in the midst of a national health crisis".
"This blatant flouting of the rules puts so many others at risk and is disrespectful to all those across London who have been following guidance and putting a lot of their own lives on hold to support the positive steps being made to reduce Covid infections," he added.
"If you are planning on holding a large gathering, please think of the wider and long-term repercussions.
“It may affect the health of those who attend and if caught, it is likely that you will be reported."
