Police car pictured driving past crowd of 50-60 people gathering on Sheffield street

Crowds are gathering daily on the same Sheffield street yet nothing is being done about them flouting coronavirus restrictions, say exasperated residents.
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The Star yesterday shared a photo of a large group on Page Hall Road in apparent contravention of the Government’s ‘rule of six’ which limits gatherings indoors and out to half a dozen people.

Now a new photo has emerged showing more people at the same spot, this time with a police car in the background which it is claimed drove past the group without stopping.

A large group on Page Hall Road, Sheffield, apparently contravening coronavirus restrictions, with a passing police car just visibleA large group on Page Hall Road, Sheffield, apparently contravening coronavirus restrictions, with a passing police car just visible
A large group on Page Hall Road, Sheffield, apparently contravening coronavirus restrictions, with a passing police car just visible
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Large groups gathering in Page Hall and Firth Park, flouting the rules imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus, have been a problem since the nation went into lockdown in March and people living there are growing increasingly frustrated at the perceived lack of action.

Nasar Raoof, of the Firth Park Neighbourhood Network action group, said: “It’s been the same scene every night since lockdown commenced, with crowds of 50-60 people gathering on that corner from around 8pm.

"These people think the rule of six doesn’t apply to them, despite everybody being in immediate danger due to the spread of Covid-19. They have no regard for their own safety or that of teachers and emergency workers.

"The authorities aren’t taking it seriously enough. The law enforcement agencies say they’re doing their job, and we hear about extra officers and fines being issued, but we’re not seeing the results.”

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The man who shared the photo, in which a police car is just visible, said: “The police car slowed down, looked at these people and then just drove away.”

South Yorkshire Police said it had received no reports of gatherings at that location on either evening,

Superintendent Paul McCurry said: “The ‘rule of six’ has a clear objective in preventing the spread of the virus. There are numerous exceptions to the legislation, including those who come from the same or linked households.

“Encouraging compliance is a shared effort and we will play our part alongside government, businesses, hospitality owners, local authorities and others.

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"Police involvement should be a last option, and the way we police this and other coronavirus restrictions will not change. Our priority will remain to engage with the public, explain the new regulations and why it’s important they are adhered to.

“I appreciate that there is footage being shared on social media of gatherings in Page Hall, as there has been throughout the pandemic, but I would remind people to report breaches to us so we can act where necessary.

“In the first instance people should be reporting breaches online, so we can keep 999 and 101 lines free for emergencies.

“Our teams right across the city are working hard to ensure their communities feel safe, we are reviewing potential breaches and deploying officers appropriately.”

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The ‘rule of six’ restrictions came into force on Monday, September 14, following a rise in the number of coronavirus cases being recorded in the UK.

The Star has contacted Sheffield Council and is awaiting a response.