Manchester Police responded to 54 COVID breaches Sunday – including a wedding
Greater Manchester Police were forced to deploy units to 54 separate COVID breach incidents on Sunday (16 August) – shutting down house parties, indoor gatherings and even an illegal wedding.
Three fixed penalty notices were distributed to people in the area – including a landlord who rented out his property for the use of a party.
Police also confirmed that they had to halt a marriage ceremony in Whalley Range – which had more than 50 guests in attendance celebrating in a marquee.
As well as yesterday’s breaches, big gatherings also took place on Friday and Saturday in Manchester.
Police were called to break up crowds on Wilmslow Road in Rusholme on Friday, whilst units were forced to call for back-up on Saturday after trying to subdue a party in Gorton and being pelted with missiles.
Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling called the situation “serious” and “incredibly disappointing.”
“We’ve been really open with the public about the pressure these calls place on already stretched and limited resources and I really need people to understand what is at stake here,” said the DCC.
“Can you imagine a vulnerable loved on not being able to get through to 999 when in an emergency because our phone lines are tied up with people reporting illegal parties?
“It’s this serious.”
He continued: “I feel we have been really fair with the public, engaging and explaining with them and only enforcing as a last resort.
“However, these blatant breaches continue and we owe it to our communities to thoroughly investigate these types of reports and prosecute those involved.
“We will continue to enforce where there is blatant disregard for the rules.”
Police had warned students to celebrate safely this weekend following A-Level results day, reminding youngsters that “anyone can get ill.”
Coronavirus rates remain high in Greater Manchester – with the region under tighter restrictions than the rest of England.