Two men are arrested as police break up street party where two dozen covidiot neighbours played BINGO and had a BBQ
- Dozens of people gather for large street party in Middlesborough on Monday
- Party happened in Brambles Farm, part of an area with a high Covid-19 death rate
- Two men, aged 20, were arrested on suspicion of public order offences
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Two men have been arrested after up to 25 neighbours held a street party where they played bingo and had a barbecue on Monday afternoon.
Police say up to 25 people were involved in a large street party at the junction of Marshall Avenue and Millbrook Avenue in Brambles Farm in Middlesborough.
Cleveland Police were called out to the junction, which falls in a part of the north eastern town that has already been warned about the dangers of ignoring social distancing rules during the coronavirus lockdown.
Two men were arrested in Middlesborough on Monday after neighbours went outside for bingo and a barbecue
A video shows a number of people in the street packed with cars and emergency response vehicles.
Cleveland Police confirmed that around 20-25 people were in the street having a party. Two men, aged 20, were arrested on suspicion of public order offences and a number of people were issued with warnings for breaching Covid-19 regulations.
One neighbour said large parties including barbecues and games of bingo were being enjoyed as the warm weather returned to Teesside.
It comes after Middlesbrough Council confirmed the TS3 postcode – including Brambles Farm – had a particularly high mortality rate for coronavirus deaths.
Last Thursday Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: ‘We have some early local data on the parts of town where there may be an increased risk from Covid-19.
‘Analysis from James Cook shows a high mortality rate for patients from the TS3 postcode.
‘We’re sending a leaflet to every home in that area, reminding people of the risks and asking them to follow social distancing measures.
‘It’s so important that we keep people safe and we’re also reminding people of the help the council can offer vulnerable people.’
The nearby Lidl supermarket and Thorntree Job Centre have both had to close due to coronavirus concerns.
Cleveland Police say up to 25 people were taking part in the gathering on Monday afternoon
Officers instructed people to return home if they weren’t involved in the incident due to the ongoing coronavirus regulations.
Cleveland Police have also reminded people that lockdown regulations have not been lifted and that people need to abide by the regulations in order to keep others safe.
Chief Superintendent Thom McLoughlin, head of local policing at Cleveland Police, said: “The force has not relaxed the Government lockdown rules and we continue to patrol our four districts to ensure people are complying with the regulations.
‘Let me be clear, we understand that this is a difficult time, but we must do what we can to protect loved ones and key workers who are risking their lives to save others.
‘Where appropriate, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action in order to protect people within our communities and we have dedicated patrols on duty 24 hours a day to ensure that these regulations are complied with.’
Officers are again reminding members of the public that they can only undertake essential journeys and that people need to stay at home in order to protect others and protect the NHS.
Both men remain in police custody.