Batley police stop groups blatantly ignoring UK lockdown rules

The Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing team has received numerous reports of people gathering in various areas.

Officers had cause to stop numerous groups blatantly ignoring the countries current lockdown.

This included a large group of children in the Soothill area who made off on sighting officers.

A spokesperson for the policing team said: "It is important that we all listen to the current guidance and instructions from the government to minimise contact with others as much as possible.

"Officers will continue to patrol and attend reports as normal during this time, and we urge the public to help reduce the strain on emergency services by following the government's advice

People in Kirklees who break the coronavirus lockdown rules will face arrest and fines, the Home Office has announced.

Officers can also tell them to go home, leave or disperse an area and ensure parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking the law.

Those who refuse to comply could be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days.

Second-time offenders could be issued a fixed penalty notice of £120, doubling on each further repeat offence.

Those who do not pay the penalty can be taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines.

Announcing the new enforcement powers, Home Secretary Priti Patel said: "The Prime Minister has been clear on what we need to do: stay at home to protect our NHS and save lives.

"All our frontline services really are the best of us and are doing an incredible job to stop this terrible virus from spreading.

"That's why I'm giving the police these new enforcement powers, to protect the public and keep people safe."