Police issue covid warnings to parents after groups of youths breach lockdown regulations

A number of young people were taken home by officers for breaching Covid-19 regulations during the third national lockdown.

Members of Peterlee Neighbourhood Policing Team confirmed that patrols were carried out in Wheatley Hill and Thornley over the weekend of January 9 and 10, following complaints by members of the public over people breaking lockdown rules.

Police issued three Covid warning letters and a Community Protection Warning to a youngster as part of their enforcement action during the two days.

Officers also spoke to the parents of the youngsters who were taken home and gave them warnings regarding coronavirus regulations.

The latest lockdown in England came into force on Wednesday, January 6, with schools and colleges told to close immediately and the public ordered to stay at home.

The Government says people must not leave, or be outside of their home except where necessary.

People are allowed out to exercise once a day along with their household, or one other person, and are able to shop for basic necessities.

The rules also allow people to go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if they cannot reasonably do so from home.

Colleges, primary and secondary schools are only open for vulnerable children and the children of critical workers.

All other children are learning remotely until February half term. However, early years settings (including nurseries and childminders) remain open.

Higher Education provision will remain online until mid February for all except future critical worker courses.

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