Police probe second mass gathering in city park

POLICE are investigating another illegal music gathering in breach of Covid regulations at Birmingham’s Cannon Hill park.

It is the second time in a month that officers were sent to ‘monitor’ the pre-planned event in Edgbaston on Tuesday night.

Revellers were ‘clearly not socially distancing’ and risked spreading coronavirus, though no trouble was reported.

Police said they found evidence the gathering was an ‘organised event’ and were investigating.

Inspector Neil Kirkpatrick said: “We received several calls from people reporting a large gathering and loud music in Cannon Hill Park.

“We had officers at the scene to monitor the situation; there was no disorder or trouble reported.

“We have found evidence this was a planned, organised event and we are looking into this.

“Some people who attended were clearly not socially distancing and their behaviour risks spreading coronavirus.”

He continued to urge people to observe the current Government restrictions, which ban large gatherings of more than six people in open spaces.

A similar mass party in the same park was widely condemned three weeks ago.

Insp Kirkpatrick warned officers would continue to patrol Cannon Hill Park, among others, to ensure Covid rules are followed.

He added: “The organising of such events is in breach of current Covid legislation. Anyone found planning large, unauthorised events risks being handed a substantial fine.

“I would urge people to observe the coronavirus restrictions and hopefully soon, people will able to gather in parks without restrictions.”