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GMP called to 2,419 reports of house parties breaking lockdown rules over bank holiday weekend
GMP had a very busy weekend.
Greater Manchester Police responded to 853 reports of gatherings on Bank Holiday Friday and a further 1,566 on Saturday and Sunday.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Greater Manchester celebrated VE Day ‘with gusto’, but it also meant the police responded to 2,419 reports of parties and gatherings that broke the lockdown rules.
The force also received 5,200 calls to 999 between Friday and Saturday a third higher than the weekend before. There was also a further 4,705 calls to 101, the MEN reports.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins described the weekend as ‘the busiest since lockdown began’ as the nation marked VE Day with social distancing street parties.
Many people flouted the rules, having people in their houses and having ‘rowdy gatherings’ according to the MEN.
On Saturday, some people coughed and spat at police officers as they tried to break up a birthday party filled with 40 adults and children in Bolton.
Following the latest announcement from Boris Johnson, GMP officers will only challenge large gatherings in public spaces from Wednesday May 13th.
Police will also be enforcing lockdown fines that begin at £50 and could increase to up to £3,200 for repetitive offences.