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A farm owner faces a £ 10,000 fine after a large number of people attended a wedding in a tent on his land.
West Yorkshire police were called to Scarecrow Farm in New Farnley, near Leeds, on Saturday night, where between 100 and 300 people were reported to be present.
A caller told police that a fight had broken out at the event.
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Police attended and said they found “a large number of people and loud music around a marquee in the woods.”
People were still entering the site when officers arrived and had to block the entrance while searching for the owners of the farm.
The police presence seems to have caused a kind of mass exodus.
“As officers worked to identify the organizers, large numbers of people began to leave the site both on foot and in vehicles,” added a police statement.
The wedding was completely cleared at 9.30 p.m., according to the force, and officers returned the next day to seize the generators.
A 49-year-old man received a citation for holding a gathering of more than 30 people, which violates coronavirus regulations and carries a fine of up to £ 10,000.
From Monday, September 28, the limit of 30 for weddings was reduced to 15.
Chief Superintendent Damien Miller said: “This large-scale event was an absolutely flagrant violation of the coronavirus restrictions that are in place to keep our communities safe from this ongoing threat to public health.
“It is even more appalling that it came just one day after extensive media coverage highlighting the increased restrictions in Leeds that have been put in place to address the district’s recent increases in coronavirus rates.
“Everyone should know by now what is expected of them, and no one can have any doubt that large gatherings like this are completely unacceptable.”
Scotland’s police are also warning the public after officers responded to at least 300 house parties over the weekend.
The force made 14 arrests and issued 101 tickets between Friday and Sunday.
Police Chief Iain Livingstone said: “There is no question that house parties or house gatherings are not allowed and there can be no excuse for organizing, attending or hosting a house party.
“It is against the law.
“When officers encounter flagrant, willful, or persistent violations, we will take decisive action to enforce the law.”
