By Police bust scores of parties across West Midlands
Police were called to break up 96 parties and gatherings across the West Midlands at the weekend.
This included up to 100 people at Babbs Mill Park in Solihull on Saturday night.
The majority of calls were for smaller groups which were quickly disbanded after officers advised on the risks of spreading Covid-19.
Chief Superintendent Claire Bell said: “We acted on information we received from our communities to break up and disperse illegal gatherings throughout the West Midlands.
“While we didn’t see hundreds gathering like in previous weekends, it’s important to remember it’s still illegal for meet-ups and parties of more than 30 people.
“We always try to be proportionate with our response and, given the numbers at the majority of the gatherings, we were able to engage with people and remind them of the health risks.
“However, it remains as important as ever for people not to mingle in large groups, especially with strangers.
“We’re already preparing for next weekend and the introduction of tougher powers against event organisers which we’ll be looking to enforce.”
The Force said it needed people to inform them if they heard of plans for large gatherings and relied on information from the public so they can act upon it. You can contact police via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website or by calling 101.
