Hampshire police thank public for support after obeying rule of six as lockdown restrictions eased

Ahead of the relaxation of rules, Portsmouth district commander superintendent Clare Jenkins warned people they would face enforcement action where there were ‘blatant breaches’.

She said: ‘While we want people to enjoy being able to gather with friends and family again, we ask them to do it safely while abiding by the regulations and remembering the rule of six when meeting outdoors.

‘Our officers will continue to engage, explain and encourage in the first instance, however enforcement action will be taken for blatant or repeated regulation breaches.’

On Monday people flocked to green spaces to rekindle friendships and see loved ones on a sunny day as the temperature climbed to 15C.

Amid the joy of people being able to meet up again, it appears the message of obeying the rules got through - with police revealing most people observed the rule of six.

‘Most reports coming back are that people are observing (the rule of six). We’d like to thank the public for their support and observing the regulations in place,’ a spokesman said.

‘We’re continuing to carry out enforcement for blatant breaches, such as house parties and outdoor events that are prohibited.’

Prior to the rule of six coming back in at the weekend police were subjected to abuse after confronting drunk revellers flouting lockdown rules at a Gosport house party on Saturday.

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Officers reported 10 people aged between 19 and 40 for summons after they attended a ‘large gathering’ at a home in Gregson Avenue at around 10pm.

A police statement said: ‘Under the easing of restrictions on Monday outdoor gatherings of up to six people (or two families/linked households) are permitted.

‘Indoor gatherings, such as this party, remain prohibited and we will continue to carry out enforcement action in response to blatant breaches of the Health Protection Regulations.

‘We would like to remind everyone that we all need to play our part in adhering to the government restrictions in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Those who flagrantly flout the law can expect to face robust enforcement action.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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