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Sept 2020

Last Updated: 28/09/2020

Police say they will act to disperse any post-curfew parties in Harrogate

by Connor Creaghan

| 28 Sept, 2020

It comes after a video in York showed hundreds of people outside bars dancing and singing over the weekend before a police van turned up to try and disperse the crowds.

Minutes after the 10pm curfew in York last Saturday night. Photo: Joshua Murphy

The measure was designed to reduce the spread of coronavirus but some fear that the 10pm curfew on pubs, bars and restaurants will have the opposite effect.

Shocking scenes from around the country of people partying on the streets minutes after 10pm.

While there were no street parties in the Harrogate district a viral video captured by Joshua Murphy in York uncovered how some responded to the new rule.

In the video hundreds of people gathered, danced and sang before a police van turned up to try and disperse the crowds.

https://www.facebook.com/JoshwaaaaaDJ/videos/10158693489882480

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North Yorkshire Police released a statement in response to the viral video from York to say they did not make any arrests but dispersed people in under 30 minutes.

The force has said it will support hospitality businesses to ensure crowds do not gather outside premises and to ensure that customers observe the rule of six.

Superintendent Mike Walker, gold commander for North Yorkshire Police’s response to Covid-19, said:

"It’s very clear that we are at a turning point now, where everyone’s personal choices will have a significant effect upon the rate at which this virus spreads over the coming weeks. Through engagement and encouragement, we will continue to support and assist those who are taking the necessary steps to suppress the spread."

Rob Bowles, chair of North Yorkshire Police Federation, told the Stray Ferret:

"The federation supports North Yorkshire Police's response to the street parties over the weekend. In order to prevent something like this happening again I think the government needs to educate the public not just on what the restrictions are but also why the restrictions have come into place."

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Police say they will act to disperse any post-curfew parties in Harrogate

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