City centre police issue Covid breach fines to students as good weather brings in visitors

Durham Constabulary’s Durham officers saw an increase in people heading into the city as the sun shone, leading them to urge the community to stick to the guidelines as the Government works towards easing the lockdown.

The force issued a series of tickets to those found in breach, including several university students, while people meeting to drink by the River Wear were sent on their way.

Groups of youths gathering also caused concern, with parents being asked to keep track of where their children are.

A spokesperson for the team said: “The university will be informed about their students behaviour as well as the fines police issued.

"Gatherings of 15 people or more is an £800 fine - please do not put yourself in this situation.

“The team also spent over an hour playing ‘cat and mouse’ with a group of around 12 youths on mountains bikes, tearing around the city centre and making off from police when approached.

“One lad was eventually caught and his parents were contacted.

"Do you know where your kids are and who they are with?

“Patrols along the river banks near the cricket ground resulted in some people being dispersed and having alcohol disposed of, please remember that drinking of alcohol in public within the city centre is prohibited under the

Public spaces protection orders (PSPO).

“It’s been a long and difficult time but lockdown is nearly finished so please don’t jeopardise things now.”

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