Sheffield man arrested and hosts fined £10,000 after ‘bored’ students caught at house party

Officers in Lancashire discovered around 30 people at an illegal house party in Ormskirk last weekend – breaching national lockdown rules aimed at reducing the spread of Covid-19.

They busted the party at 2.45am on Sunday, January 31 and found students from Edge Hill University celebrating a birthday party.

Several people fled when officers arrived, including some who jumped out of a window.

But the organiser, a woman aged in her 20s, was located and told to expect a £10,000 fixed penalty notice.

Nine others at the party were each fined £800.

New rules allows officers to issue the increased fine to anybody attending a house party of 15 people or more.

Officers also arrested a Sheffield man after an officer was allegedly pushed while speaking to party-goers.

Sam Taiwo, 23, of Bellhouse Road, Shiregreen, has since been charged with assaulting a police officer and is due at Preston Magistrates’ Court on April 1.

Supt Karen Edwards, of Lancashire Police, said: “This party was a blatant breach of the current restrictions, which are in place to prevent the virus from spreading and to keep everybody safe.

“It is unbelievably selfish for anyone to believe they are exempt when so many law-abiding citizens have not seen their friends and family properly in almost a year.

“The people in attendance also gave no thought to the safety of the local community or the officers who had to attend to break up the gathering, not to mention the NHS which is under immense strain. It is also shocking that an officer reported being assaulted while dealing with the aftermath of the event.

A spokesperson for Edge Hill University said: “We are fully co-operating and working closely with the police to establish the details.

“This is completely unacceptable behaviour and we will be taking appropriate action in line with our disciplinary procedures. We cannot pre-empt the outcome of these investigations or predict any final sanctions that might be imposed, however the university is able to exclude students in the most serious cases.”

LATEST: ‘The friendliest person’: Tributes paid to Sheffield man as murder investigation continues

CRIME: South Yorkshire Police issue warning to delivery drivers after vehicle thefts

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.