Birthday party with 40 people 'packed tightly' into Walsall flat broken up by police
Around 40 people were discovered having a birthday party in a "packed" flat in the Black Country – despite Covid-19 rules.
Police found the group – including a number of children – at a two-bedroom flat in Caldmore, Walsall, after reports of loud music.
Officers found they were "packed tightly" in the property with no social distancing and no wearing of face masks or face coverings.
The force broke up the party and are set to issue fines to those involved – with details shared with the council and the fire service over safety issues.
Assistant Chief Constable Jayne Meir said: "We’re conscious of the massive adjustments we’re all having to make to our daily lives.
"We understand this is difficult and that people want to be able to enjoy time with loved ones, however the restrictions are in place to keep us all safe.
"Our role is to police these restrictions and dangerous breaches such as the party in Walsall, will be dealt with robustly as they are a clear public health risk.
"I’d like to thank the vast majority of people in the West Midlands who are doing their bit during this pandemic by following the current government guidelines.
"We will enforce breaches of the restrictions where we need to so we can help to prevent the further spread of the deadly virus and ultimately save lives."
It comes as officers said the majority of people were adhering to the new Government restrictions, with no pubs opening and only a handful of public gatherings being reported.
