Police break up gathering
Large group of people at bandstand dispersed due to lockdown rules
POLICE were called after more than two dozen people were spotted gathering on Southsea seafront.
Photographs sent to The News show roughly 30 people at the Bandstand off Clarence Esplanade at lunchtime on Saturday.
Those who attended say they were holding a memorial for a friend.
Gatherings are forbidden under current lockdown rules, enforced due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The group, ranging from children to adults, appeared to be blowing up balloons by The Bandstand, until police arrived.
Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Gerald VernonJackson,
says more Covid wardens were sent out along the seafront this weekend.
He said: ‘The bottom line is that you’re not allowed to gather – we all have to stick to the rules, these people are no different.
‘I know it’s hard and people have been struggling, but things like this just shouldn’t be happening.
‘We want to get the infection rate as low as we possible can, so this doesn’t help our cause.’
According to government guidance, no more than six people can attend commemorative events, regardless of whether these are held indoors our outdoors.
A spokeswoman for Hampshire
Constabulary said: ‘We were called at 1.33pm on Saturday, February 20 to a report of a large group gathered at The Bandstand in Southsea.
‘Officers attended and dispersed the group, who were breaching the current Health Protection Regulations.
‘Officers remain on patrol in the area and will continue to engage, explain and encourage the public around the current Health Protection Regulations.’