Police in Sheffield admit they had ‘no powers’ to stop huge gathering at Willy Collins’ funeral

Following concerns about the funeral of Willy Collins South Yorkshire police and Sheffield City Council say social distancing measures are not enforceable by law and the police and council do not have the powers to stop large gatherings.
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The funeral of a bare knuckle fighter dubbed the King of Sheffield on Saturday which packed the streets with mourners and led to road closures has led to concerns over social distancing.

Former bare knuckle boxer Willy Collins, 49, was laid to rest in an elaborate traveller funeral that attracted hundreds of mourners .

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Dad of nine Mr Collins, 49, died suddenly in Spain last month and was well known in the city’s traveller community.

Willy Collins' funeralWilly Collins' funeral
Willy Collins' funeral

Members of the public complained that social distancing rules to protect against the spread of coronavirus were flouted by those attending the event.

Councillor Mary Lea, Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Leisure at Sheffield City Council, said:

“During this private family funeral which took place within one of our cemeteries, our priority was to make sure staff and mourners remained safe. In our efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus and protect all those present, our current policy limits mourners to a maximum of 25 people.

Hundreds of mourners attend funeral of Willy Collins.Hundreds of mourners attend funeral of Willy Collins.
Hundreds of mourners attend funeral of Willy Collins.
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"We understand that additional mourners attended the service. Under the Covid-19 legislation, neither we as the City Council nor the Police have powers to stop larger gatherings of this type taking place.

"We did not condone or support this, but we did what we could to ensure the safety of mourners, the local community and staff, including providing public health advice to limit the risk of spread of Covid-19.”

A spokesman for South Yorkshire police added: “The Government recommend that when socialising with those outside their household, people should observe social distancing of at least two metres.

"This recommendation is guidance, and is not enforceable as law. Our officers will however, always advise people to adhere to social distancing and other related guidance in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and keep people safe.”