PSNI issue £200 Covid-19 fines after ‘large gathering’ on New Year’s Day

Officers issued the COV4 fines following reports of a large gathering in the Kinhilt Street area of the town on January 1.

Police had already said they had issued 126 of the same £200 fines after raiding 34 house parties which breached Covid restrictions on New Year’s Eve.

Chief Inspector William Calderwood said: “We received a number of calls in relation to this gathering however upon arrival of officers, there were no reports of anyone in the area. However, since viewing video footage we have issued two COV4 fines in relation to the gathering and our inquiries are ongoing in relation to the matter.

“Anyone with any information in relation to this incident is asked to contact police on 101, or a report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

He added: “We will continue with our partnership approach, working closely with our colleagues at the Department of Health, Public Health Agency and the Northern Ireland Executive. Where people do not follow the Health Protection Regulations, our approach will remain the same- we will engage with people first explaining the guidance and the law and encourage people to do the right thing.

“Enforcement is always a last resort however, we will take this measure when needed in order to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities and help protect our NHS. This is the most serious public health emergency we have ever faced and we would appeal to everyone to continue to play their part in slowing the spread of this deadly virus and helping everyone stay safe and save lives.”