Police officers have asked people to continue to follow the rules on social distancing after concerns about large gatherings in a Gateshead park over the weekend.
As people took advantage of the warm weather, it was reported that "parties" and gatherings of up to 30 people were seen at Saltwell Park, despite restrictions at the time limiting people to meeting one other person from outside their household.
The guidance has changed today so that up to six people from different households can meet outdoors, as long as they stay 2m apart.
However, it appeared that some people had been flouting the rules by meeting up with several others in the park before the rules were changed.
One walker told ChronicleLive: "Went for a walk in Saltwell Park at about 8pm...Friday night and there were literally parties going on...The field was full of huge groups of about 20-30 people gathered around each other, drinking and then peeing in the bushes. Bins were overflowing with beer cans."
Now Northumbria Police have confirmed that it was alerted to the numbers of people congregating in the park over the weekend.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “We would continue to ask everyone to follow the modified regulations which came into force today (Monday).
“They are in place to help protect us all from the spread of coronavirus and ultimately to save lives.”
