Court summons issued as police break up 'unacceptable' Hampshire car meet

Police officers from Hampshire Constabulary were called to Blacknest Industrial Estate in Alton on Saturday evening.

Officers found a car meet in the car park, with people mixing with others outside their household and not wearing face coverings.

The car park was blocked off and all those present were identified – with 26 people reported for summons in relation to fixed penalty notices, for breaching coronavirus regulations.

Superintendent Phil Lamb said: ‘While our approach to engage, explain, and encourage people to follow the Health Protection Regulations continues, it was obvious that enforcement was required in these circumstances.

‘Some of those people that officers spoke to accepted personal responsibility, but others were extremely defensive.

‘It’s shocking that such a large number of people have completely ignored the current lockdown, thereby putting themselves and their loved ones at risk from the virus.

‘It’s reckless actions like this that place increased and unnecessary pressure on the NHS.’

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Motorists had come from Surrey, Kent, Berkshire, and even Shropshire, say police, and BMWs, Nissans and Toyotas were all found.

Public gatherings are strictly prohibited due to the ongoing national lockdown to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

Supt Lamb added: ‘I’d like to thank the vast majority of people in our communities who have been working hard to follow the rules.

‘Those who do not follow the regulations in place to limit the spread of the virus should expect to receive a fine.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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