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​Hundreds Filmed Drinking In The Snow In Breach Of Covid Rules

​Hundreds Filmed Drinking In The Snow In Breach Of Covid Rules

About 300 people congregated at the top of Cow Hill, with reports the group grew ‘more stupid’ as the evening went on

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Footage shows hundreds of people gathering together on a snow-covered hill in Newcastle in breach of lockdown rules, with witnesses saying they were drinking and playing music.

About 300 people congregated at the top of Cow Hill, with reports the group grew 'more stupid' as the evening went on and they consumed 'lots' of alcohol.

At one point, some people could be seen sledding down the hill on shopping trolleys and upturned tables.

Witnesses say they are convinced the gathering was organised, saying there were simply too many people for the incident to have been a fluke meeting.

Northumbria Police confirmed they had received reports of the 'completely unacceptable' gathering, but said the group had dispersed when officers arrived.

One witness, who asked not to be named, said: "We got there at about 3.45pm and they were all already there.

"There must have been a good 300 of them - they had music on, lots of alcohol and no social distancing.

NCJ Media

"They were just enjoying themselves but the more they drank it just got more and more stupid.

"I think it had been organised, there's no way all those groups of random strangers would all go to that hill on that day, there was that many of them.

"We saw loads of them coming off the Metro and crossing to head up to the field. There was more and more of them every time you looked."

Another person, who saw the footage, also said: "Why do we have to accept this behaviour when RVI [Royal Victoria Infirmary] staff are working like Trojans to save lives?

"It's this irresponsible behaviour that is undermining our fight against Covid-19."

NCJ Media

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of footage circulating on social media showing a group who appear to be partying on the Town Moor in Newcastle yesterday (Wednesday) evening.

"We want to be clear that this type of behaviour is completely unacceptable and undermines the efforts of the majority of people in our region who are making daily sacrifices to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"We also received reports relating to this activity and when officers attended that location the group had dispersed. We did speak to those in the area to reiterate the importance of following the Government restrictions."

They added: "We are grateful to all who continue to follow the legislation and guidance in place, including those who have been enjoying the weather and sledging responsibly."

A spokesperson for Newcastle City Council said: "We know that many people want to enjoy the snow and that, as you need a good hill for sledging, there'll always be popular spots that people will visit on wintry days.

"However, everyone needs to remember that while having fun, Covid is very much still out there and you need to protect yourself and others from the virus.

"Wrap up warm, keep your distance from others, don't sing or shout, and remember to wash your hands regularly and wear face coverings if you can.

"Together we have been doing a great job of driving down the spread of Covid in Newcastle. Let's not ruin it now."

Featured Image Credit: NCJ Media

Topics: UK News, News