Bodycam footage shows moment police break up student lockdown party

Avon and Somerset Police officers walk through a residential premises in Bristol where a party was held on Friday night, in breach of Covid-19 regulations

(Avon and Somerset Police)

Police in Bristol have released bodycam footage of a party they were called to deal with last week and criticised the actions of those who attended as “putting everyone at risk”.

Avon and Somerset Police attended a student hall of residence in Frogmore Street on Friday night, just after 11pm, to disperse the party which had a “large number of people gathered”.

Two 19-year-old men were handed fixed penalty notices (FPN). Officers said the party was a “clear and blatant breach of Covid-19 regulations in place to protect the NHS and save lives”.

The footage showed police entering the building and walking past a number of young people, many of whom were not wearing masks or social-distancing.

The force said in a tweet: “Body Worn Video shows what officers had to face when called to deal with a party in Bristol on Friday night.

“Most people are doing the right thing and staying at home. It’s the actions of a few people who are ignoring or bending the rules which is putting everyone at risk.”

In a statement, chief inspector Justin French said: “It’s hard to believe those involved in this gathering would be so reckless and act without care or thought about the impact their actions will have on the community in which they live.

“This is a deadly virus and rates in Bristol have been rising, which makes their actions even more reprehensible.

“We have dedicated patrols in places throughout the weekend to respond to breaches of Covid-19 legislation and officers and staff will continue to work round-the-clock to play their part in helping to stop the further spread of this virus.”

According to Bristol City Council, there are currently 451 new cases per 100,000 people in Bristol, with 2,090 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the past seven days. The infection rate in England is currently 538 new cases per 100,000.

The residence is used by students from University of Bristol, which said the students may be disciplined for their “unacceptable” behaviour.

A spokesperson for the university said in a statement: “We were disappointed to receive reports of a gathering on Friday night at a student residence in Bristol City Centre that breached Covid regulations.

“The police were called and have issued fines. We will follow this up internally, and will take appropriate disciplinary action as necessary.

“This kind of behaviour is unacceptable. As a university we will not hesitate to take action against those who disregard the rules.

“It must be stressed that the vast majority of our students have behaved impeccably since the start of this academic year and have followed government and university guidance around social distancing and keeping to their living circles.”

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