Police hear of 1,000 lockdown breaches in just one weekend

GMP received over a THOUSAND reports of people breaking coronavirus lockdown in one weekend.

Officers were called to 1,132 incidents across the region on Saturday and Sunday (April 4 and 5) - including 494 house parties; 166 street parties; 122 ‘group gatherings for sporting activities’; 173 gatherings in parks and 112 cases of anti-social behaviour.

Police said some house parties had bouncy castles, DJs and fireworks.

Our sister paper the Manchester Evening News was inundated with pictures of people playing football in large groups, sunbathing in parks and holding mass gatherings.

Strict government advice means people are not allowed to leave the house - unless they’re exercising alone or those they live with; shopping for essentials or going to work if their job can’t be done from home. Greater Manchester Police said the public continue to abide by lockdown measures. But the weekend saw a sharp increase in the number of breaches reported to police.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “I would encourage everyone to enjoy themselves at home with their loved ones but please don’t socialise beyond the immediate people that you live with.

“Please don’t participate in other social gatherings inside or outside, no matter how big or small.

“We are trying to engage, explain, and encourage everyone to follow the Government guidance. mHowever, where people do not comply with the guidelines, we will use the legislative powers.

“We hope that such actions will not be necessary and the public will work with us during this challenging time.”