Sussex gym found open during lockdown after asking for hardship grant
Police have arrested two people on suspicion of fraud
Last updated 5th Feb 2021
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of fraud after Sussex Police found a gym still open during lockdown - after having applied for Government hardship funding.
Officers attended a site in the Hampden Park area of Eastbourne on Thursday after receiving reports it was continuing to operate in breach of coronavirus restrictions.
The gym had applied for a government grant, stating it had been closed to customers from December 26th, when Tier 4 restrictions were initially brought in for the Eastbourne district and across much of Sussex.
A 30-year-old man and a 31-year-old man were both arrested by police on February 4 on suspicion of fraud by false representation. They remain in custody for questioning at this time.
Three other people present inside the gym at the time were also each issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for being in breach of the government’s Covid-19 regulations.
The warrant came after the gym had already been issued with a £1,000 fine and a £2,000 fine for breaches of the restrictions in November 2020 and January 2021 respectively.
Chief Inspector Di Lewis, district commander for Eastbourne, said:
"This gym has continued to operate in two national lockdowns, showing a clear disregard for the government’s Covid-19 restrictions.
"On the occasions police have attended to try and engage with the gym owner, officers have found people present inside the venue not social distancing and not wearing face coverings.
"The government’s rules are there to help stop the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives.
"Those who continue to ignore these regulations are risking bringing harm to our communities, and we will take enforcement action where necessary."