Police in one county issue 92 fines over Covid rule-breaching Halloween parties

Hampshire Police were called to 33 incidents where people were clearly flouting the rules, including a house party in Southampton where guests tried to flee the scene after officers arrived

Hampshire Police issued 92 fines over Halloween weekend following breaches of coronavirus regulations designed to prevent the spread of the disease.

The force was called to 33 incidents where people were flouting the rules, including a house party in Southampton where guests tried to flee the scene after officers arrived.

Police also attended a home in Southsea after reports of an assault and were spat at, sneezed and coughed at by a man claiming he had coronavirus.

In a further incident in Winchester, a man was reported for a breach of Covid-19 regulations after he broke the Rule of Six.

And at Emporium, a bar in Southsea, the owner was slapped with a £1000 penalty after they were found to be allowing a group of 12 people to attend a birthday party.

Assistant Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said: “The only way we can get this virus under control and save lives is by everyone in the community sticking to the legislation and taking responsibility.

“The health regulations are in place to protect you, your friends, your families.

“Thankfully, most people in the community understand the seriousness of the situation and are following the guidance. It was great to see lot of people enjoying Halloween in a safe way.

“But this weekend has proved there are always a few people who ignore what is best for them and others, and make decisions that put other people’s lives at risk.

“The majority of the incidents we attended on Saturday night were house parties organised by adults and attended by significantly more than six people. Where this is still happening our enforcement activity is, by necessity, focused and robust.

“We will continue to focus our efforts on those who are intent on ignoring the legislation, at the same times as tackling offenders, reducing crime, and protecting those who need our help — with crime rates back up to pre-pandemic levels, officers are working really hard to keep the public safe.

“We must remember, it is only by us all working together to follow the legislation that we are able to limit the spread of the virus.

“I want to thank everyone who is taking their personal responsibility seriously and I want to assure you that we will continue to take action against those who needlessly put others at risk."