Police break up 20-STRONG bbq GROUP

We’ll deliver it to your home

WEST Midlands Police has revealed details about breaking-up a 20-strong barbecue in Coventry.

Neighbourhood officers were on duty in Foleshill when they discovered a group of more than 20 people ignoring the lockdown and clear guidelines about social distancing.

The gathering included a toddler and several people estimated to be in their 60s who were clearly flouting social distancing instructions.

Not only that but they protested when the police told them their behaviour was unacceptable.

They refused to disperse prompting the police to tip the barbecue over.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “Despite the Government’s clear social distancing instruction last night our officers today found a group of 20 people ignoring the lockdown and tucking into a barbecue.

“Neighbourhood officers were on patrol in Foleshill Road, Coventry, just after 2pm when they smelt food cooking and smoke rising near flats in Culworth Court.

“They were shocked to find a group of around 20 people, including a toddler and people estimated to be in their 60s, freely mingling and standing shoulder-to-shoulder around a buffet.

“Old and young gathered at a barbecue in total disregard of social distancing instructions.”

The spokesman added: “Our officers told the group it was unacceptable and they needed to adhere to social distancing guidelines to help slow down the spread of coronavirus.

“Despite the warning the group refused and began protesting they should be allowed to continue their barbecue.

“One woman shouted “my children need to eat” but could not explain why she wasn’t cooking for them at home in her kitchen.

“Our officers were forced to tip the barbecue over as the defiant group initially refused to leave.

“In the end our officers felt they needed to end the gathering by tipping over the barbecue and insisting the group dispersed to their homes.”

The force spokesman warned it would be enforcing the lockdown.

They said: “It’s vital everyone follows the new lockdown instructions; they are essential and it will save lives.

“Our officers and PCSOS will be out and about in communities and speaking - from a distance of two metres - with anyone we suspect is breaching the new regulations.

“If people do not listen to our advice then we will move to enforcement - and our Chief Constable has vowed that we will target the most problematic behaviour.”