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Merseyside police have moved to assuage people’s fears over a video showing crowded streets in Liverpool city center after the 10pm closure.
Images of the impromptu gathering of a large crowd of partygoers at the corner of Church Street and Hanover Street were widely shared on social media.
It was filmed shortly after the pubs closed at 10 p.m., in line with new national closing restrictions as coronavirus cases start to rise again.
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson also took to social media to comment on the scenes.
However, police have said that it was not typical for the night or the rest of the city center.
Superintendent Chris Gibson said: “We are aware of a video circulating from Liverpool city center, showing crowds gathering near Hanover Street around 10pm last night, Saturday 26th September.
“I would like to give some context to the images as they do not reflect the general behavior of the people in Liverpool this weekend.
“This was a spontaneous gathering around a local street artist, and it dispersed in minutes, under the close surveillance of officers and via CCTV.
“The city center was practically empty around 10:30 pm and no serious incidents were reported.
“While there will naturally be a rush of people leaving the facility at 10pm, everyone we spoke to was nice and we would like to thank those people for moving quickly.
Superintendent Gibson warned that officers were facing a ‘serious increase’ in cases related to the new coronavirus guidelines.
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“This weekend, however, we have issued a series of notices of fixed fines at house parties, businesses and events throughout Merseyside,” he added.
“We will continue to participate and explain the laws, but when it is necessary to enforce them, we will do so.
“I want to continue to urge people to socially distance themselves, stay in small groups and not mix households. We will all get through these tough times, but for now, everyone’s priority must remain protecting the vulnerable and helping reduce lawsuits. to the NHS and other emergency services. “
The police statement came the same weekend that they intervened at a music event in Stanley Park, which they say violated social distancing guidelines.
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