'Sorry to spoil the party': Moment a church service is stopped by police as worshippers are told they breaking strict lockdown rules in Wales
A church service has been stopped by police after worshippers were told they were breaking strict lockdown rules in Wales.
Churchgoers filled the packed hall yesterday despite 'firebreak' rules banning gatherings including religious ceremonies from taking place.
Naomi Mclennan filmed the moment officers entered the New Hope Community Church in Llanrumney, Cardiff, and told people they had to leave.
In the footage, Ms Mclennan says: 'We are at church right now and the police just showed up.
'They have knocked on all the windows and the doors, they shined flashlights, so please pray for us right now.
'I'm just letting you know this is happening. This is in Cardiff. We are not even in a third world country right now, this is in Cardiff.'
Churchgoers filled the packed hall despite 'firebreak' rules banning gatherings including religious ceremonies from taking place
The video shows a police officer telling the congregation members of the public had told them about the alleged breach of coronavirus regulations.
One church member says: 'This is really strange and, I say it respectfully, we love you guys as police officers and we are not law-breaking people.
'But when they say to us that it is illegal to come and worship our God, this is the West, this isn't a nation somewhere far off somewhere else.'
The officer tells church-goers they should worship at home for the next 17 days until the firebreak 'blows over'.
Another person in the footage says: 'You will be asking us not to believe next.'
Naomi Mclennan filmed the moment officers entered the New Hope Community Church in Llanrumney, Cardiff, and told people they had to leave
But the officer replies: 'As a Christian myself, I am not going to do that. I have a Christian family. My own mother is finding other ways to pray.'
Church leaders agreed to leave the building after police officers allowed them five minutes to finish their prayers.
South Wales Police said: 'Police attended New Hope Community Church in Ball Road, Llanrumney, on Sunday afternoon, following a report of a Covid-19 breach.
The video shows a police officer telling the congregation members of the public had told them about the alleged breach of coronavirus regulations
'Officers followed the policing style which we have adopted throughout the pandemic of explaining the rules and encouraging people to comply.
'Officers moved outside the church to allow five minutes of prayer after which all those present left. No fixed penalty notices were issued.
'We know civil restrictions are frustrating and disheartening for people, but by following them, we can all play a part in protecting our communities and the National Health Service.
'Please take time to understand the latest regulations, all of which can be found on the Welsh Government website.'