Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Rod Minchin & Grace Witherden

'Lockdown is not over,' warn police as Brits sunbathe in parks and throw parties

Sunbathing in parks, house parties and pub pints are just some of the ways people have been caught flouting instructions to stay at home.

Police have criticised the “selfish minority of individuals” who have been caught ignoring the government guidance during the coronavirus outbreak.

Officers were spotted talking to sunbathers in London Fields park, Hackney, as many people left their homes to enjoy the warm weather this weekend. 

Last night police officers moved in to break up a house party in Paganhill, Stroud.

Three residents in Paganhill were given warning letters for socialising out of their houses, reports Gloucestershire Live.  

Police in Stroud after they were called to a house party in the area (Gloucestershire police)

“Lockdown is not over,” officers said on the @StroudPolice twitter account.

“We are still engaging, explaining and encouraging compliance with coronavirus regulations.”

Meanwhile police said there was “no excuse” after a pub in Wolverhampton was found to be opening to serve booze, reports Birmingham Live.

People walking by the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London - there is no suggestion anyone pictured is breaking lockdown rules (PA)

The Pendulum pub in Pendeford had its licence suspended for nearly four weeks by councillors after being issued with a Coronavirus Restrictions Prohibition Notice by police.

Sergeant Steph Reynolds, from Wolverhampton police licensing team, said: "The rules imposed by the Government were very clear.

"Pubs are not to trade for consumption of food or drink on the premises."

Police officers on patrol in Victoria Park in London - there is no suggestion anyone pictured is breaking lockdown rules (WILL OLIVER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

She added: "There may be a false belief that it's worth the risk to secretly trade... that you will only be asked to close like everyone else already is if caught.

"But if you do breach the rules you face losing your licence completely and be unable to trade when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Police officers speak to members of the public - there is no suggestion anyone pictured is breaking lockdown rules (AFP via Getty Images)

"A breach of the rules can also lead to being taken to court and even a prison sentence."

A couple who drove 300 miles for a “mini break” at a Cornish beach were fined and had their car seized this week.

The pair, who are from Kent, were found asleep in the car in Falmouth, a Devon and Cornwall Police officer said. The driver also had no driving licence or insurance.

A sign outside Heaton Park asking for no more than groups of 2 unless from the same household to enter (Visionhaus)

Superintendent Adrian Leisk, who is the local area commander for West Cornwall, said: "Still struggle to comprehend the selfishness of a minority of individuals.

"Important message for those still thinking it's a good idea to ignore the Government guidance. You will be fined, you will be turned around and in this case we'll seize your car."

In Gwent, officers described it is "unacceptable" that people drove nearly 12 miles from Newport to the blue lagoon at Pantygasseg.

Earlier this month, the National Police Chiefs' Council said more than 3,200 fines for alleged breaches of coronavirus lockdown laws were issued by police forces in England between March 27 and April 13.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.