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Police Break Up Group Of People Exercising Near Gym In Essex

Police Break Up Group Of People Exercising Near Gym In Essex

Ripped Gym in Harlow, Essex, shared footage of the officers attending the scene on Facebook on 8 November

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Video footage shows the moment police officers had to break up a group of people exercising together near a gym, referring to the incident as an 'unauthorised event' amid lockdown restrictions.

No arrests were made, with police saying they 'explained the new regulations' to the group of people, who left 'peacefully'.

Ripped Gym in Harlow, Essex, shared footage of the officers attending the scene on Facebook on 8 November.

"Seems you're NOT allowed to exercise outside," the caption said, along with a shrug emoji and thumbs down emoji.

People can be seen in active wear, having gathered outside in Wych Elm, where the gym is based.

The post has racked up 2,500 reactions and 1,200 comments - some of which seemed to be in support of the incident.

One person wrote: "Brilliant! Your members are great, supporting you and your business. You are an inspiration to anyone trying to hold onto the businesses they've worked so damned hard for."

Another person said: "All those police for people exercising. What a disgrace! How is this wrong? None to be seen when monuments where being vandalised, just saying!"

Facebook/Ripped Gym

But not everyone agreed, with another saying: "People trying to push the boundaries and take the p***. Why not just do as the law states. Looks like a gathering of more then one to one and lack of social distancing. Outside a gym is the same as being inside it for this purpose. £10k fine should be issued."

Essex Police said in a statement: "We attended an unauthorised event in Wych Elm, Harlow on Sunday 8 November.

"Our officers engaged with those in attendance and explained the new regulations and they left peacefully."

Facebook/Ripped Gym

As part of the new restrictions in place for England's second lockdown, people are allowed to exercise outdoors, but must socially distance from others.

Government rules state: "In general, you must not meet with another person socially or undertake any activities with another person. However, you can exercise or meet in a public, outdoors space with people you live with, your support bubble (or as part of a childcare bubble), or with one other person.

"You should minimise time spent outside your home. When around other people, stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household - meaning the people you live with - or your support bubble. Where this is not possible, stay 1 metre apart with extra precautions (e.g. wearing a face covering)."

LADbible has reached out to Ripped Fitness for comment.

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Ripped Gym

Topics: UK News, News, Gym