Riverside drinkers hit with fines

SEVEN people were hit with fines for breaking lockdown laws after a group had gathered to drink on a riverbank.

Durham Police were called to Chester-lestreet riverside on Wednesday after reports of a large group boozing on the banks who were being “rowdy” and “abusive”.

Seven of them were issued with fines for breaching Covid-19 regulations.

A 32-year-old woman was also charged after allegedly being threatening and abusive towards PCSOS, and swinging a glass bottle at them.

Officers have urged people to adhere to the rules or face punsishment.

A police spokesperson said: “With the warm weather and upcoming bank holiday weekend, we are urging people to stick to the guidance around Covid-19, act sensibly and use common sense.”

Meanwhile, in Darlington, large groups have also been gathering by the river at Broken Scar to enjoy the hot weather.

A spokesperson added: “We don’t want to stop people from having fun, but these types of gatherings are simply not acceptable given the current pandemic.”