Police forced to shut Santa charity event

Northumbria Police had to shut down a charity Christmas event in Washington Village after large crowds gathered.

Officers received numerous calls from concerned residents shortly before 6pm on Saturday, about a large gathering at a pub in Washington Village.

Crowds had gathered to attend a charity Christmas event held by the Cross Keys pub – where families could see Santa and his elves through a window and post their Christmas letters into a box.

The event was step up with the aim to raise funds for the installation of a lifesaving defibrillator in Washington Village.

However, due to the large number of people who attended, the police were left with no choice, but to shut the event down and dis - perse the crowds.

Police have acknowledged that Christmas “looks and feels very different” this year but have urged members of the public to continue following the regulations surrounding Covid-19.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 6 pm on Saturday we received a number of calls from residents, concerned about a large gathering in Washington Village. Officers attended th earea, where a planned Christmas event was under way and large crowds were in attendance. The event was subsequently closed down and the crowds dispersed.

“We appreciate Christmas looks and feels very different this year, but we would urge everyone to ensure they continue to follow the regulations and guidance to protect us all.”