Northern Ireland

Police appeal for everyone to 'play their part' in Covid-19 fight after fines issued over Ballymena new year 'party'

Police have appealed for "everyone to continue to play their part" in slowing the spread of Covid-19 after fines were issued in a Co Antrim town
Police have appealed for "everyone to continue to play their part" in slowing the spread of Covid-19 after fines were issued in a Co Antrim town Police have appealed for "everyone to continue to play their part" in slowing the spread of Covid-19 after fines were issued in a Co Antrim town

POLICE issued two fixed £200 penalty fines in the early hours of New Year's Day in the Kinhilt Street area of Ballymena - which is just 350 metres from the police station.

It came as video footage released on social media claimed to show a large number of people gathered on the streets of the town, past the 8pm curfew and singing and dancing.

The footage emerged as police revealed they had issued £25,000 worth of fines to revellers at new year’s house parties, despite appeals for people to stay home in a bid to curb the rising number of Covid-19 cases.

Officers received more than 1,000 calls in a 12-hour overnight period.

Speaking in relation to the gathering in Ballymena, Chief Inspector William Calderwood said the PSNI had "received a number of calls" but when officers arrived "there were no reports of anyone in the area".

"However, since viewing video footage we have issued two COV4 fines in relation to the gathering and our inquiries are ongoing in relation to the matter," he said.

Chief Inspector Calderwood said the PSNI would "continue with our partnership approach, working closely with our colleagues at the Department of Health, Public Health Agency and the Northern Ireland Executive.

"Where people do not follow the Health Protection Regulations, our approach will remain the same- we will engage with people first explaining the guidance and the law and encourage people to do the right thing," he said.

"Enforcement is always a last resort however, we will take this measure when needed in order to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities and help protect our NHS.

"This is the most serious public health emergency we have ever faced and we would appeal to everyone to continue to play their part in slowing the spread of this deadly virus and helping everyone stay safe and save lives".