Covid-19 lockdown: Police called out to hundreds of house parties

Police have been called out to almost 500 parties in four days, despite the coronavirus lockdown.

Greater Manchester Police said between Saturday and Tuesday of this week, they dealt with 166 street parties, 122 sporting group gatherings and 173 gathering of people across parks.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “We understand the desire people will have to spend time with family and friends over the Easter period.

“However, it is vital that we follow the Government guidelines.

“We must do this to protect ourselves, our families, our communities and the NHS by preventing the spread of this highly contagious infection.

“I would encourage everyone to enjoy themselves at home with their loved ones but please don’t socialise beyond the immediate people that you live with.

“Please don’t participate in other social gatherings inside or outside, no matter how big or small.

“We are trying to engage, explain, and encourage everyone to follow the Government guidance.

“However, where people do not comply with the guidelines, we will use the legislative powers.

“We hope that such actions will not be necessary, and the public will work with us during this challenging time.”

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick warned, that if the public do not obey police instructions it will “result in enforcement.”

The Commissioner said, “It’s extremely important that we all do try to comply with the restrictions and we in the police of course have our part to play.

“If we have to, we will be very firm in that, if somebody completely refuses, but this is an absolute last resort, it will result in enforcement.”

Crimestoppers are receiving thousands of calls of people who are breaking the governments coronavirus lockdown rules across the UK.

Some reports include people who have coronavirus are deliberately going outside threatening to infect others or are coughing at people with many parties being planned.