Illegal gatherings keep police busy

HOSTS of illegal large house parties and a gathering for around 150 motor enthusiasts were facing being hit in the pocket after being dispersed by police.

Police broke up gatherings in Huncoat and Rishton - in breach of coronavirus lockdown restrictions - after receiving several complaints from the public on Sunday night.

A man was also arrests at the Rishton event on suspicion of criminal damage to a police vehicle.

A Hyndburn Police spokesperson posted on their Facebook page early on Bank Holiday Monday, September 30: “Team 5 are just about to finish after a busy night shift.

“Several reports were received of large house parties in Huncoat and Rishton overnight.

“Police dispersed the groups and the hosts are to be issued with fixed penalty notices.

“A 27-year-old male was also arrested for criminal damage to a police vehicle after he decided to graffiti it whilst police were dealing with the party in Rishton; he remains in police custody.”

In a post earlier on Sunday, Hyndburn Police said they had attended a report of a car meet at an industrial estate in Altham, with “around 150 vehicles present”.

The statement, by Inspector Ogdin, said: “Team 2 officers have had a busy afternoon shift across Hyndburn. We have been responding to a number of reports of gatherings in the area.

“One of those was a car meet at an industrial estate in Altham. There were around 150 vehicles present and the persons who were with those vehicles were not socially distancing. Officers spoke with those people and advised them about Covid regulations with all vehicles quickly leaving the area without any issues.

“Just a reminder to everyone that gatherings of over 30 people are not permitted. We will be continuing enquiries to identify an event organiser and take appropriate action.”