£11,000 Covid fines issued overnight

Police issued fines totalling £11,000 for breaches of Coronavirus restrictions in one night in south Belfast

House parties were reported at seven addresses in the Holyland area between 8pm on Monday and 4am on Tuesday.

55 £200 fines were issued, as well as 19 Covid 2 notices.

Community resolution notices were also issued to three people under the age of 18, and a 16-year-old was taken home to their parents.

Meanwhile files are being prepared for the Public Prosecution Service about 14 individuals who had previously received a Covid 4 fine under the coronavirus regulations.

Chief Inspector Gavin Kirkpatrick said "significant resources'' were deployed into the area "as a result of the behaviour of some people staying in or visiting this residential area."

"We have now also brought forward our plans around St Patrick's Day and will begin the operation today, increasing resources dedicated to the area,'' he said.

He added: "It is disappointing and difficult to understand how some people think the current health regulations and restrictions do not apply to them.

"It is also apparent that some parents and guardians need to take more of an interest in what their young people are doing.

"This is a residential area and understandably local people are fed up having to live with this type of behaviour.

"Our message is very clear. All students or anyone visiting the Holyland area must follow the latest Covid-19 health and safety advice and specific guidance regarding houses of multiple occupancy provided by the universities.''