Eight illegal party organisers have been fined £10,000 after police raided three banned gatherings in Leeds last night.
Officers broke up two parties – banned under current coronavirus restrictions – in Headingley and one in Burley on Saturday night and in the early hours of Sunday morning.
At a party on Grimthorpe Place, Headingley, four people were fined £10,000 for their role in organising the illegal event. Fifteen people at the party were fined £100 for breaching Covid-19 restrictions.
One male was arrested for being drunk and disorderly.
Following a complaint from a member of the public, officers broke up a party at a house on Winston Mount, Headingley, at 12.45am this morning. Its organiser was fined £10,000.
Police also raided an illegal house party on Harold Place, Burley. The homeowner was fined for breaching Covid-19 regulations, alongside two DJs at the party who were fined £10,000. Their equipment was also seized.
This morning West Yorkshire Police issued a warning to those thinking of breaching coronavirus rules by organising or attending illegal gatherings.
Supt Chris Bowen said: “Our priority remains keeping our communities safe from the spread of Coronavirus and we can only do that by abiding by the current restrictions.
“We continue to work with our local authority and public health colleagues to engage with the public, explain the risks associated with taking part in such events and encourage our communities to comply with the restrictions.
“I would urge those thinking about organising or attending house parties or unlicensed music events to seriously consider the impact their actions are having not only on themselves, but their family, friends and the wider community.
“Not only are you putting your health at risk, but you are breaking the restrictions and you risk being fined and risk being arrested.”
