Two People Fined After Police Raid Baby Shower Attended By 20 People

Two people have been slapped with fines for holding a baby shower in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, with more than 20 people in attendance.

The group, found in a house in Hornchurch, east London, was made up of many people from different households.

Police report they were called to a private address in Elm Park Avenue, Hornchurch just after 6pm on Sunday 24th January, where they found the guests congregating.

Those attending ranged from young children, to teenagers, to people in their late 40s.

Officers managed to establish that the gathering wasn't spontaneous thanks to the array of gifts and balloons on display.

They subsequently charged the two organisers - aged 22 and 44 - with £200 fines. Meanwhile, others involved were advised and left the premises.

Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman from East Area Basic Command Unit, said: "This gathering had people of widely different ages and from different households present. Whilst I fully understand that people want to get together to celebrate events, this is definitely not the time to do it in person.

"A gathering like this can have tragic consequences for all those involved and risks spreading this terrible virus to our loved ones and the wider community. Please have no doubt, we are determined to deal robustly with those who breach the Covid regulations in this way."

MET Police)

This is one of many examples of police handing out fines for Covid-19 breaches.

Despite London being under an England-wide lockdown which prevents weddings and civil partnership ceremonies of more than six people, officers were also called to Yesoday Hatorah Girls Senior School in Stamford Hill in north London last week (Thursday January 22) to find up to 400 people inside.

The windows had been covered when they arrived, but police later released a statement to community leaders, which said there was "clear evidence of a wedding having taken place."

Detective chief superintendent for the Met, Marcus Barnett, said: "This was a completely unacceptable breach of the law, which is very clearly in place to save lives and protect the NHS.

"An NHS that is under considerable pressure at a time when Covid 19 has killed nearly 100,000 people.

MET Police)

"This is a deadly and very dangerous disease. We can all see that and we must act responsibly.

"People across the country are making sacrifices by cancelling or postponing weddings and other celebrations and there is no excuse for this type of behaviour.

"My officers are working tirelessly with the community and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action if that is required to keep people safe."

Other police fines have been handed out for people taking long drives to go on walks, while another group of individuals were fined for driving together to McDonald's - despite being from separate households, and the journey not being essential.

Topics: Life News, lockdown, Life, Coronavirus, London

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

@joannafreedman