Police hand out £70k fines at two Mayfair parties

Police have handed out £70,000 worth of fines after shutting down two parties in one of London's most expensive neighbourhoods.

A total of 70 guests were caught at the two illegal gatherings, taking place less than 500m apart early on Sunday morning.

It comes as the British public have been warned that coronavirus cases are rising again in one of five areas of the UK despite the successful vaccine rollout.

At around 1.30am on Sunday, officers responded to reports of an illegal gathering taking place at a flat in Green Street near Hyde Park in Mayfair, the Metropolitan Police said.

Read: People flock to parks and beaches to enjoy sunshine despite Covid warning

When officers arrived, they found around 50 people at the flat.

The host, a 29-year-old man, was identified by police and reported for a £10,000 fine for breaking Covid regulations.

Officers also issued 50 fines worth £800 each to those attending the party.

As they were shutting down this party, officers received a second call at around 2am, reporting another illegal gathering at a flat in Brooks Mews.

They attended the flat and found 20 people partying at the property.

All were issued with £800 fines and work continues to identify the party organiser, police said.

Inspector Kevin Fagan of the Central West Command Unit which covers Westminster said: “Despite recent announcements about how and when Covid restrictions may be eased, nothing has changed in terms of the regulations.

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“Illegal gatherings like this are irresponsible and put pressure on the emergency services who have do deal with the consequences of these people’s selfish actions.

“The rules are clear, as should be the message that the police will enforce them where wilful breaches are found to have taken place."

The Met Police have closed down several parties in the capital over the last few weeks.

This includes a party of 200 in Beauchamp Place in Chelsea and a wedding of 150 people at a school in Stamford Hill.

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