Outrage as Sheffield students filmed dancing at house party during Tier 3 lockdown

The Daily Mail has shared video footage reported to show students in Leeds and Sheffield breaching coronavirus rules by attending parties.

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The footage, said to have been captured on Sunday, January 3, was when Sheffield was under Tier 3 restrictions, where the mixing of households indoors was banned.

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Two days later a national lockdown was announced.

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South Yorkshire Police has issued fines of £10,000 during the pandemic to the organisers of illegal gatherings, including a number over the Halloween weekend.

The force has warned that more could follow for blatant breaches.

In a statement, the force said: “The rules to prevent the spread of Covid-19 are there to protect us all. It is vital that everyone plays their part by adhering to them.

“We strongly urge anyone thinking of attending or organising an unlawful gathering not to do so. It is proven that Covid-19 transmission is highest when members of different households mix indoors, and in order to protect the NHS and save lives, our officers will be working proactively to put a stop to events of this kind.

“We will be taking enforcement action against anyone who blatantly breaks the Covid-19 rules, as by doing so they are putting others in danger.

“As throughout the pandemic, we are confident that the majority of people will respect the rules and stick to the regulations. We will continue to engage with people using a proportionate and common sense approach.”

A University of Sheffield student was handed a £10,000 for hosting an illegal gathering at the Endcliffe Village student accommodation complex in October.

At the time, the university said: “It is imperative that students respect social distancing rules and all other restrictions to keep themselves and others safe and we strongly condemn any breaches of government regulations.

“We will continue to take action if we receive specific reports of anti-social behaviour, including reports of social distancing not being adhered to, as well as provide practical and emotional support to students who may be struggling at this time.”

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