Police disperse over 100 people breaking lockdown at Sheffield park as organiser faces £10,000 fine

Mobile phone footage shared online showed large numbers of largely young people gathered at Bolehills in Crookes on Wednesday night while a DJ performed.

The shocked dog walker who shot the video said she understands a second DJ later arrived.

The video caused frustration in the Crookes community, where residents expressed their disappointment at such a blatant breach of Covid rules, including social distancing, aimed at reducing the spread of the virus.

South Yorkshire Police said the force was alerted to the gathering and an investigation has been launched to track down the ‘organiser’.

Covid rules state that organisers of gatherings of more than 30 people can be fined £10,000.

The police force said: “Police were called at around 5.40pm on March 17 with reports of a large gathering at Bolehill Recreation Ground in Sheffield.

“On arrival, officers dispersed the group of around 100 people.

“Whilst the majority dispersed on seeing police, a man believed to be the organiser of the event was identified evading officers. Enquiries are ongoing to trace the organiser, with a view to serving Fixed Penalty Notices.

“Our neighbourhood officers will be carrying out extra patrols throughout the area into the weekend and are asking that people continue to adhere to Covid-19 restrictions.”

Sergeant Simon Kirkham, of the Walkley neighbourhood policing team, said: “We must all continue to follow the restrictions, which are in place to protect people and save lives.

“The vast majority of the public are still working so hard to adhere to the rules. It is frustrating to see people willing to put the wider community at risk. Please think about the consequences of your actions.”

A number of £10,000 fines have been issued in South Yorkshire during the coronavirus pandemic, including nine over the Halloween weekend last year.

Officers also busted an illegal rave in a disused building in Kelham Island that weekend, which was attended by around 300 people but the organiser of that event has not yet been tracked down.

LATEST: Reported cases of dog thefts ‘very low’ in Sheffield, says South Yorkshire Police

POLICE: Investigation launched after cyclist hit by car on busy Sheffield road

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.