Police called out to more house parties in Greater Manchester

The force said they were amongst 54 reports of Covid-19 breaches on Sunday (August 16) between 3pm and 11pm.

Officers issued three Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) and a landlord of a property will also be issued with a summons for renting it for a party.

One of the reports officers attended was a wedding in Whalley Range which saw more than 50 people attend while there was even a marquee. The organiser was issued with a penalty notice.

Tougher restrictions means that people must not meet others from other households inside a private home or garden, or socialise with them in other indoor public venues.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling described the perpetrators as "selfish" and showing a "blatant disregard" for the guidelines.

He said “Following large gatherings on both Friday and Saturday night we have had to attend further events yesterday evening. 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. Can you imagine a vulnerable loved one 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.

“I feel we’ve 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 when there is a blatant disregard for the rules.

He added: “We understand that the vast majority of people across Greater Manchester are doing the right thing and it’s incredibly disappointing that these people are being continuously let down by a small majority, who are selfishly flouting the very guidance that is there to keep us safe. I want to thank those who are doing their bit.