‘Large group of cyclists’ ordered to disperse over alleged Covid breaches

21 February 2021, 16:25

Police say a 'large group of cyclists' were breaking Covid rules and engaging in 'anti-social behaviour'. File photo.
Police say a 'large group of cyclists' were breaking Covid rules and engaging in 'anti-social behaviour'. File photo. Picture: PA

By Joe Cook

City of London Police have implemented a “dispersal zone” after reports of anti-social behaviour and Covid rule breaches by a “large group of cyclists”.

Until 7am on Monday, “anyone involved will be directed by officers to leave the City, and may be arrested for not doing so”, police said.

A spokesperson for the force told LBC a group of people “in double figures” were “cycling in large groups” and engaging in “anti-social behaviour”.

The group were “clearly not from the same household” and were of a “younger demographic”, they added.

Dispersal orders give the police extra power to break up groups of two or more people if they believe their behaviour is causing a nuisance, harassment or distress to the public.

Read more: Boris Johnson finalises lockdown ‘roadmap’ ahead of Monday unveiling

Read more: Surge testing in an area of Brentwood, Essex after one case of South Africa variant found

Under the current lockdown rules in England, people are only permitted to exercise with one person from outside their household.

As part of his roadmap out of lockdown, reports suggest that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will announce on Monday that people will be allowed to meet up outside in groups of up to six, or two households, from 29 March.

However, people are being urged to continue to follow the Covid rules as the lockdown is eased following a “cautious and irreversible” approach.

Explained: What to expect from Boris Johnson’s Covid lockdown 'roadmap' tomorrow

Read more: Two households ‘to be able to meet outside by Easter’

West Midlands Police bust illegal 50-person party

While the vast majority of people continue to abide by the restrictions, on Thursday night police in the West Midlands broke up an illegal 50-person party taking place in a soundproofed room with a DJ, disco lights and Class A drugs.

Officers were tipped off about the bash by a member of the public, who had noticed taxis bringing around a dozen guests to the venue above shops on Erdington High Street, Birmingham, on Thursday night.

Around 50 people were discovered at the event and fined, while the suspected organiser was arrested after refusing to give their details.

They could now face a fine of £10,000 under coronavirus legislation.

Read more: Care Association chief: Staff numbers 'a real problem' when visiting resumes

Read more: Covid-19 crisis in numbers: LBC brings you the stats you need to know

'Bored' student party-goers fined £17k

Meanwhile, officers responded to reports of a house party in Kings Norton, also in Birmingham, at around 12.30am on Friday after flashing lights and loud music were coming from inside.

Police said the lights were turned off once those inside realised they had arrived, and a woman came to the door in a dressing gown in an apparent bid to make the officers think all was quiet.

After being questioned as to why she was wearing jewellery and fake lashes to bed, she let officers inside the flat − where they had been told a party was being streamed live on Instagram.

Some guests were allowed to leave but three people were arrested after two officers were assaulted.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Breaking
Queen Camilla is unwell with a chest infection and has withdrawn from her engagements this week

The Queen withdraws from engagements this week after being taken ill, Buckingham Palace announces

Tesco customers are furious after being forced to wait hours to book a Christmas delivery slot.

'It's like getting Beyonce tickets': Fury as Tesco shoppers face 'ridiculous' online queues for Christmas delivery slots

Ladbaby has broken its silence on historic allegations of gripping.

Charity chart-topper Ladbaby breaks his silence on 'groping' allegations

Labour MP Chris Webb 'attacked and mugged' near London flat by phone snatching gang

Labour MP Chris Webb 'attacked and mugged' near London flat by phone snatching gang

The White House has been barricaded and restaurants and stores boarded up as tensions rise over the election.

Washington DC braces for unrest as White House is barricaded and stores boarded up ahead of US election

Sir Chris Hoy said 'if you're over the age of 45, go and ask your doctor' for screening

Sir Chris Hoy calls for men to be offered prostate cancer screening from the age of 45 after his terminal diagnosis

Kamala Harris went door-knocking in Pennsylvania on the night before the election

Kamala Harris surprises residents in Pennsylvania as she goes door-knocking in final bid to win votes

Nearly 600 police officers sacked in a year amid as shocking figures reveal extent of misconduct crackdown

Nearly 600 police officers sacked in a year as shocking figures reveal extent of misconduct crackdown

Hundreds of people died in the devastating flooding in Spain

British man who survived Valencia floods describes hearing his neighbours’ horrifying final screams before they died

Amy Dowden said she was ‘heartbroken' as she left this year's Strictly Come Dancing

Amy Dowden says her ‘heart is breaking’ after she confirmed she will not return to Strictly

Anthony Scaramucci said the row between Trump and Labour would blow over

'Anglophile' Trump's row with Starmer will have 'no impact' on wider relations with UK, Anthony Scaramucci says

Nick Ferrari attends his first Trump rally in Pennsylvania as he meets the crowd in 'the poorest city in the United States'

Nick Ferrari attends his first Trump rally in Pennsylvania as he meets the crowd in 'the poorest city in the US'

Exclusive
Nick Ferrari bumps into Nigel Farage in Pennsylvania as he reflects on Trump's "remarkable" foreign policy achievements

Nick Ferrari bumps into Nigel Farage in Pennsylvania as he reflects on Trump's 'near-death' experience

Live
Americans are heading to the polls in their millions today

US Presidential Election 2024 LIVE: Millions of Americans head to the polls in the final race for the White House

Proud Boys claim they will go to voting places as Trump repeats election fraud lies.

Proud Boys making plans to mobilise as Trump repeats election fraud lies

File photo of a real NHS dentist

Desperate Brits fall for scam 'fake NHS dentists' amid years-long waits for appointments