A Nottingham resident who travelled more than 100 miles for a lockdown breaching poker party has been fined alongside more than two dozen people.
Officers from Lancashire Constabulary broke up the poker tournament at a business premises in Blackburn, finding 26 people inside.
People travelled as far as Nottingham and St Helens for the event on Saturday evening (March 6), with officers raiding the venue at about 7pm.
Voices could be heard coming from within the building as officers entered.
Once inside police discovered a party in full swing in a room above Robertos Bar and a number of people were playing poker across two large tables, with food and drinks being consumed.
Players could be heard laughing as they were questioned by police, and all 26 people were issued with £800 fines.
Sgt Steve Dundon, of the Blackburn neighbourhood policing team, said: “This kind of behaviour is completely unacceptable and not only potentially puts lives in danger, it also risks extending the lockdown yet further.
"While we will show patience and understanding where possible, at this point of the pandemic people really should know better.
"Where people are still confused we will still look to engage, educate and encourage then to follow the rules, but where there is a blatant disregard for the Regulations – such as in this case – we will quickly move towards enforcement.
“As we start to see an end in sight, I would continue to ask people to act responsibly and do the right thing in order to keep the people of Lancashire safe."
A spokesperson for the Blackburn with Darwen police team added: "Officers issued 26 £800 fines after breaking up a poker party at Robertos Bar, Richmond Terr, Blackburn on Sat. They entered and found a party with people who had travelled from as far as Nottingham."
