Yahoo News Moment police break up illegal baby shower with 20 people in east London
Others involved were advised and left the premises.
(PA)This is the moment police broke up a baby shower with 20 guests in east London.
Officers were called to a property in Elm Park Avenue, Hornchurch, at around 6pm on Sunday after reports of a large gathering, which are banned under current Covid-19 lockdown rules.
When officers arrived, they found 20 guests sitting around a table covered with food. There was also a balloon arch at one end of the room.
Body-worn footage released by Scotland Yard shows officers quizzing guests about who lived at the property.
Those in attendance ranged from young children, to teenagers, to people in their late 40s.
The two organisers, men aged 22 and 44, were both reported for a £200 fine for breaking lockdown rules, the Metropolitan Police said.
The other attendees were advised to leave the premises.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Clayman from East Area Basic Command Unit, said: “This gathering had people of widely different ages and from different households present.
"Whilst I fully understand that people want to get together to celebrate events, this is definitely not the time to do it in person.
“A gathering like this can have tragic consequences for all those involved and risks spreading this terrible virus to our loved ones and the wider community.
"Please have no doubt, we are determined to deal robustly with those who breach the Covid regulations in this way.”
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