Liverpool’s acting mayor has condemned ‘selfish’ crowds that gathered in Sefton Park.
Up to 1,000 people defied coronavirus restrictions to descend on the park to take part in St Patrick’s Day celebrations on Wednesday afternoon.
Police issued more than 40 fines and arrested one person as part of efforts to break up the mass gathering, which also led to a dispersal order in the area.
Considerable litter was also left on-site by gatherers, leaving community volunteers and the Friends of Sefton Park group to deal with the clean-up.
Wendy Simon, Liverpool’s acting mayor, warned that the actions of those who flocked to the park could see the city’s road out of lockdown extended further.
She said: “It was really disappointing to see people gathering and drinking.
“We are not out of the woods yet with the pandemic.
“We know people are desperate for normality but every unnecessary contact puts us back another step and just risks prolonging the lockdown.
“It was heartening that, while we saw some very selfish actions, we also saw the best of the local community in action, with the Friends of Sefton Park helping out teams to clear the rubbish that had been left behind.”
On the same day, police also issued a further 21 Covid fines after responding to reports of a large gathering at a house on Deysbrook Lane in West Derby.
Chief Inspector Chris Barnes said: “This was another brazen and appalling example of people flouting the rules during the pandemic.
“Anyone at the party last night could have spread Covid-19 to others and put their community at risk.
“Coronavirus regulations are still in place – they apply to everyone, and they’re there to protect our health.
“We are still in a national lockdown and people are only permitted to mix outdoors with one other person outside their household or support bubble.
“I’d like to thank everyone who continues to abide by the rules – and remind those who don’t that we won’t hesitate to issue a substantial fine when they put us all at risk.”