Police bodycam footage shows the moment officers raided an illegal poker party attended by people from St Helens.
Video released by Lancashire Police, shows the group laughing as police broke the party up at around 7pm on Saturday night (March 6).
Officers were called to Roberto’s Bar in Blackburn following reports a poker tournament was being held in breach of Covid restrictions.
After hearing voices from within the building, the cops swooped in and discovered there was a party in full swing and a number of people playing poker across two large tables.
A total of 26 £800 fixed penalty notices were issued – including to people who had travelled from as far as Nottingham and St Helens to attend the event.
In addition, the organiser and person responsible for the building have been reported for summons in respect of this gathering.
Blackburn with Darwen has been one of the most hard-hit areas in the country, with 153 covid cases per 100,000 residents in the last week.
Roughly 11.5 percent of all people who live in the Borough have tested positive for the virus since the pandemic began.
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, but 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.”
Lancashire Police licensing and Blackburn with Darwen Council are now considering whether to seek a review of the premises licence.
Cllr Phil Riley, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “It’s incredibly disappointing to hear of this flagrant abuse of the lockdown rules and I fully support the police action.
“We are so close to getting this virus under control but we have to keep on track by being responsible.
“The Council will work with the police to see what further action needs to be taken.”
