Nine police officers have been fined £200 each for breaching Covid-19 regulations for eating in a cafe while on duty.
Scotland Yard has said the Metropolitan Police officers, members of the South East Basic Command Unit, were investigated after images of them in uniform eating together were posted on social media earlier this month.
They were issued fixed penalty notices of £200 following an investigation by the force.
Chief Superintendent Rob Atkin, South East BCU commander, said: “Police officers are tasked with enforcing the legislation that has been introduced to stop the spread of the virus and the public rightly expect that they will set an example through their own actions.
“It is disappointing that on this occasion, these officers have fallen short of that expectation. It is right that they will pay a financial penalty and that they will be asked to reflect on their choices.”
Meanwhile, Home Secretary Priti Patel has said it is too early to discuss easing the coronavirus restrictions.
She told Sky News: “We are at a pivotal stage. Our vaccine rollout is under way but we have a long way to go with vaccination.
“We cannot talk about easing restrictions and measures until we are absolutely clear we have vaccinated priority groups.”
Asked whether mid-February remained the target for lifting some measures, she said that remained the aim for targeting those in the top four priority groups but that it was “no time to speak about” relaxations when the NHS was under such current strain.
"We have a long way to go," she added.
