Avon and Somerset Police deal with dozens of COVID rule breaches as second lockdown announced
They took 27 calls on Saturday afternoon (31/10) about incidents including an illegal rave in Yate
Last updated 1st Nov 2020
On the same day Boris Johnson announced England will enter a second national lockdown, Avon and Somerset Police were forced to deal with dozens of coronavirus rule breaches.
In a series of tweets put out during Saturday afternoon (31/10), the force said they dealt with 27 calls reporting people breaking the rule of six.
The worst of the incidents was an illegal rave in Yate, which it's thought 500 people attended.
Some partygoers turned violent towards officers when they tried to break it up.
The police were also called to a pub in Mangotsfield were it was reported 200 people had gathered, while there were several house parties across Bristol, Bath, Highbridge and Bridgwater.
They say the organiser of a party in Highbridge was handed a £200 fine.
It all happened on the same night the Prime Minister revealed England could face thousands of coronavirus deaths a day in December, if action isn't taken.
During a government press conference in Downing Street Boris Johnson said the NHS - including in the South West - risks being overwhelmed within weeks if nothing is done.
As a consequence, from Thursday all pubs, restaurants and non essential shops will have to close, as well as leisure centres, gyms and grassroots sport.
Only schools, universities and nurseries will remain open.