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Police Break Up 20-Person Baby Shower Breaking Covid Rules

Police Break Up 20-Person Baby Shower Breaking Covid Rules

Two people have been given fines over the illegal get together

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Police in London raided a home to find a baby shower with 20 guests despite lockdown restrictions.

Officers entered the property in Hornchurch in east London on Sunday where they found 20 people, from several different households, gathered together with a pink balloon arch and a table piled with food.

Body cam footage shows police entering the home before asking who 'actually lives' at the property.

One of the police officers warns the party goers: "We've had a call because you're all here. Obviously, you're breaking Covid rules.

Metropolitan Police

"We can fine every adult here, every single one of you. £200 each it is. Because you're breaking the rules."

The Metropolitan Police say two men, aged 22 and 44, have been reported for a £200 fine each for organising the get-together.

Others in attendance were reminded of the rules and told to leave the property.

Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman from East Area Basic Command Unit, said: "This gathering had people of widely different ages and from different households present.

"Whilst I fully understand that people want to get together to celebrate events, this is definitely not the time to do it in person.

"A gathering like this can have tragic consequences for all those involved and risks spreading this terrible virus to our loved ones and the wider community.

"Please have no doubt, we are determined to deal robustly with those who breach the Covid regulations in this way."

Metropolitan Police

Last year, police in Wolverhampton were left shocked when they arrived to break up a Christening party only for the organiser to ask them if they would 'give them an hour' to carry on celebrating.

Footage caught on police body cams shows the baby's dad complaining to police that they had spent a lot of money on the party before saying he 'didn't believe in the virus' and asking police to 'give them an hour' before breaking it up.

In the video, he tells police: "I'm christening my small baby, we're just having a bit of a party."

He then admits that only four people live at the property and claims there are 20 guests, although police said 50 people were actually present.

In the clip, a police officer can be heard saying: "They need to leave. You are breaching Covid."

To which the dad replies: "I've spent too much money on this party. Give me an hour."

SWNS

Another cops tells him: "We can't. We are in a pandemic. We hate doing it. We don't want to do it.

"It is hard on everyone. We understand that. But we have to try and protect people. One person in here has the virus - 20 people have it."

Featured Image Credit: Metropolitan Police

Topics: UK News, lockdown, crime