House party in Kettering shut down by police

One of the county's most senior police officers has revealed that police had to shut down a birthday party in Kettering attended by 18 people.

The event was one of many in the past week at which police have had to dish out Covid fines.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon (Friday, March 12), Assistant Chief Constable of Northamptonshire Simon Blatchly said that illegal gatherings continued to be a problem across the county.

He said: "It's disappointing we're still being called to large gatherings both inside and outside.

"We attended a birthday party in Kettering with 18 people who were all given £800 fines.

"We're still out there, we still enforcing the laws and will be until lockdown is over."

On Sunday a large group of Glasgow Rangers fans met at Abington Road Park in Corby. Police attended and issued three fines before many of the attendees left the area. But they are still seeking the organiser to issue a £10,000 fine. They are also investigating reports of sectarian chanting that were received from members of the public.

ACC Blatchly said: "The Rangers celebration was disappointing in terms of the numbers of people that turned up.

"Some tickets were issued on the day. We have not yet identified the organiser but our investigation is ongoing. We also have a range of other public order offences to deal with."

Every £10,000 Covid fine issued in Northamptonshire is currently being appealed through the courts.