'No actions needed' in Northamptonshire since Rule of Six came into force this week

Northamptonshire Police have not yet taken any enforcement action against groups in the county since the Rule of Six law was introduced on Monday.

The national law announced last week came into force on Monday (September 14) making it illegal for groups of more than six to meet in a bid to tackle the UK's Covid infection rate.

At a press conference today (Septemgber 18), a top county police chief said despite facing up to 20 Covid-related calls a day, the force has not 'felt it necessary' to take enforcement action against meet ups.

Assistant chief constable Jame Andronov said: "We have not seen a massive influx of calls since the law has changed on Monday.

"We are seeing 10 to 20 incidents a day connected to Covid. And as yet we have not felt the need to enforce at any incidents we have attended. We haven't actually issued any FPNs since the start of things [Monday] but are more than prepared to do so if the need arises."

In Northamptonshire, 379 fixed-penalty notices have been issued since restrictions were placed on socialising.

It comes after the Prime Minister clarified his Rule of Six announcement to say residents should not be 'snitching' on their neighbours unless they are throwing what he called "hot tub parties".

When asked about the Prime Minister's comments, ACC James said: "We think communities should be talking to each other before they report things to police - strong, resilient communities talk to each other.

"It would be perfectly reasonable to expect people to talk to each other if somebody in your street is putting others at risk. And if that doesn't work they can always call us.

"This is a team effort and we're not going to beat this virus unless we work together."