Eleven fines issued as police called out over two Ashfield house parties

Police officers were called to Alexandra Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, at around 1am, today (Saturday). Nine fines of £200 were handed to a man and eight women for disregarding current restrictions.

A further two fines of £200 were given to a man and a woman after police were called to another illegal gathering on Short Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, at around 10pm, yesterday.

Police forces now have the power to issue fines of £800 applying to groups of more than 15 people and will double after each offence, up to a maximum of £6,400 for repeat offenders.

Ashfield District Commander Inspector Mark Dickson, said: “I want to thank the vast majority of people who have been following the rules and acting responsibly to limit the spread of the virus, which ultimately means saving lives.

"There’s still a tiny minority who have refused to follow these rules and are letting down those who are making sacrifices by sticking to the rules in order to protect the NHS.

"This pandemic is continuing to have a devastating effect both nationally and internationally. In the UK we have had more than 104,000 deaths, more than 35,000 people are currently in hospital with the virus and the NHS is working relentlessly to save lives.

"The national restrictions are quite clear and blatant breaches such as these will be tackled robustly.

"If you hold an illegal gathering then we will take action, in line with the Government direction, in order to reduce the spread of this deadly virus, save lives and protect the NHS."