'You will be punished!': Police warn students not to break new Tier 3 Covid lockdown rules after they partied away Nottingham's last night of drinking in Halloween fancy dress
Police in Nottingham have warned students 'you will be punished' after dozens of young people in Halloween fancy dress were confronted by police in the city ahead of Tier 3 rules being implemented.
Nottingham was placed into the 'very high' bracket on today at 12.01am, with new rules coming into place such as a ban on buying alcohol from shops after 9pm.
However, local maths teacher Simmy Purwaha filmed the moment police had to intervene as dozens of densely-packed youngsters broke social distancing guidelines to dance together on St James Street.
'Mixed with booze it's a recipe for disaster,' the 25-year-old said.
Nearby, Nottinghamshire Police were forced to break up a 40-strong party in students halls at Nottingham Trent University, with a bag of cocaine and a PA system seized.
Assistant Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: 'As we've said time and again, the very last thing we want to be doing as police officers is to be issuing these fines, but we have a responsibility to enforce the law and to keep people safe.
Crowds of people partying after 10pm pub curfew in the city centre before new restrictions come into force in Nottingham
Revellers pose for a picture as they enjoy a night out in the city centre before the county of Nottinghamshire goes into Tier 3
'We take that responsibility very seriously and we will continue to take action against people who wilfully break the rules in this way.
'It is perfectly clear that these kind of gatherings are not allowed and there really is no excuse for what we saw last night.'
Once identified, the party hosts will be facing a fine of £10,000 for organising an inside gathering of more than 30 people, the force said.
Ms Meynell added: 'This pandemic is a serious risk to public health.
'Cases are rising fast and more people are getting seriously ill as a result.
'We expect people to follow and obey the law and hope that this latest incident serves as a warning to others - that if you do break the rules in this way you will be caught and you will be punished.'
Before youngsters were pictured in Halloween costumes and drinking in large groups, the force had issued a warning that people who deliberately flouted the rules would be fined.
'Say Covid!' Students pose for a photo as they headed out in Nottingham in fancy dress on Thursday night to make the most of their final night of freedom before Tier 3 restrictions are enforced
A group of young men gathered to chant next to police cars, with officers watching on as the night of revelry unfolded before the new rules kick in
Mr Purwaha, who filmed a police intervention in the city centre, told PA: 'The actual shenanigans started at about 9.55pm when all of the bars let the patrons out at the same time onto a small lane.
'It went on for about 20 minutes before enough police turned up to send people on their way.
'One person was arrested in front of me and another was lying unconscious.
'They were chanting World Cup football chants which didn't make sense as there isn't any football on.'
In the nearby market square, youngsters were seen posing for photographs dressed as minions from the film Despicable Me and chanting near police vehicles.
Mr Purwaha added that he feels students have been 'given a hard time' by the Government and it is a minority of students who are flouting lockdown rules.
'That doesn't excuse the awful behaviour on display yesterday,' he added.
'Although it's a minority of students, they're taking the p*** and ruining it for the rest of us who want to go for a drink but will be unable to without purchasing a meal.'
Nottinghamshire Police had issued a warning earlier on Thursday that they would have 'no hesitation' in fining people deliberately flouting the rules.
Nottinghamshire Police made one arrest and issued dispersal orders after reports of groups not social distancing in Nottingham city centre on Thursday night.
The force said officers were called to St James' Street in the city to reports of people gathering after leaving bars as they closed at around 10pm.
One man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, police said.
The force added that dispersal orders were issued to ensure people left the city centre.
Commenting on the gatherings in Nottingham city centre on Thursday night, Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: 'Following the reports, officers were swiftly on the scene to disperse the crowds from the Old Market Square and the rest of the evening had no incidents of note.
'The vast majority of the Nottinghamshire community has understood the very serious situation the city and county are currently in with infection numbers and hospital admissions increasing on a daily basis.
'It is the case that people are being issued fines for breaching the regulations but more importantly the virus is spreading rapidly throughout the community and people are dying.
'It's important to highlight that this kind of behaviour potentially puts the health of individuals, our officers at risk, and their families too, when they are attending such gatherings. We are very determined to protect the public and will continue to respond quickly to such incidents.
'We have to do all we can to stop the spread of Covid-19 and better protect older and more vulnerable people - as well as helping to reduce pressure on the emergency services and NHS as we move into winter.'
It comes after students in Nottingham were spotted making the most of their final night of freedom last night before the new restrictions came into play.
Many students and youngsters from the area headed out in unusual costumes, including one dressed in a pink bear onesie, and police officers with stockings
There were scenes of chaos outside the clubs and bars, with dozens gathering in close proximity to each other after 10pm, with few wearing masks
Fallen angel: An eagle-eyed shopper wearing a halo picked up a box of alcopops and was escorted home by her male friend before new restrictions are enforced in Nottingham
On patrol: A group of young women dressed up as police officers, complete with handcuffs, stockings and police caps, made the most of the night before Nottingham moves into Tier 3
In the market square in Nottingham city centre on Thursday evening, youngsters were seen posing for photographs dressed as minions from the film Despicable Me and chanting near police vehicles.
Nottinghamshire Police had issued a warning earlier on Thursday that they would have 'no hesitation' in fining people deliberately flouting the rules.
Assistant Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: 'The aim of the measures is to save lives and lessen the burden on the NHS - which is becoming increasingly stretched as we approach the time of annual winter pressures in hospitals. Positive action now will save lives.
'The people of Nottinghamshire have been incredibly supportive and patient with the national and local measures that have impacted on all our lives this year.
A group of students dressed up in Despicable Me minion outfits, while others headed out dressed in angel and devil costumes
A police officer with a dog attempts to control the wild scenes as hundreds of young revellers hit the town and gathered while they could
Nottinghamshire Police had issued a warning earlier on Thursday that they would have 'no hesitation' in fining people deliberately flouting the rules
New rules ban buying alcohol from shops after 9pm and the carefree students were eager to take advantage of the previously relaxed measures
Revellers gathered in large groups and took to the streets on Thursday before the city moved into the 'very high' bracket at 12.01am on Friday
'Sadly there has been a minority of people who think the legislation doesn't apply to them and we have been forced to take action, and in some cases hand out fines.'
'In the last week we have given £10,000 fines to four people who organised parties with more than 30 people present as well as numerous £200 fines to people who wantonly broke the law.
'The new Tier 3 restrictions will mean greater limits on socialising across Nottinghamshire but it is important people continue to follow the rules.
'We will have no hesitation in fining people who flout the legislation with no regard for the impact their actions have on families and frontline key workers.'
Many were seen flouting the rule of six as they congregated in large groups in close proximity to each other, with police unable to control them
In the market square in Nottingham city centre on Thursday evening, youngsters were seen posing for photographs dressed as minions from the film Despicable Me
Spreading peace and love (and hopefully not Covid!): Many took the opportunity to celebrate Halloween while they were still able to head out with friends
It's-a-Tier-3, Mario! The city looked far from a pandemic hotspot as many hugged each other on the streets and ignored social distancing
A pair of students tucked into McDonald's after partying away their final night before harsh new measures are implemented to curb infection rates
Police watched the wild scenes unfolding but were unable to control the huge numbers gathering together on the city streets
Police had to disperse a large number of revellers as they danced and sung in the streets after the 10pm curfew
Devil-may-care attitude: Police have handed a number of £10,000 fines out in recent weeks at both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University
Despite the warnings, many young people took to the streets on Thursday evening ahead of the Tier 3 restrictions, with some seemingly looking to celebrate Halloween two days early.
A few police vehicles were present in the city centre and an ambulance was also nearby.
At a media briefing on Thursday, Nottinghamshire County Council leader Kay Cutts told reporters the force had asked for the alcohol ban to be implemented to stop students partying.
Police have handed a number of £10,000 fines out in recent weeks, as both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University said a deliberate flouting of coronavirus restrictions could result in exclusion.
Commenting on the alcohol ban, ACC Meynell said: 'This is a welcome move following a number of gatherings and parties that our officers have had to disperse in recent weeks, in some cases leading to £10,000 fines for the organisers.
Despite the warnings, many young people took to the streets on Thursday evening ahead of the Tier 3 restrictions, with some seemingly looking to celebrate Halloween two days early
At a media briefing on Thursday, Nottinghamshire County Council leader Kay Cutts told reporters the force had asked for the alcohol ban to be implemented to stop students partying
There were scenes of chaos and hedonism on the streets as dozens chanted together and embraced each other, despite social distancing guidelines
Thursday could be the last night that many students are able to see large groups of their friends together for some time
Power Danger: Many seemed unconcerned by the rising infection rates in Nottingham as the second wave continues to accelerate through Europe
From Friday people in Nottinghamshire are not permitted to mix indoors or outdoors with anyone outside their household or support bubble
At the media briefing, Councillor Cutts said 'young people don't think they are ever going to catch anything' when asked why the alcohol ban had been put in place
'It is completely unacceptable to have parties when there is a global pandemic that is costing lives.
'The legislation is clear that from tomorrow people in Nottinghamshire are not permitted to mix indoors or outdoors with anyone outside their household or support bubble, except in certain places like parks and play areas. It is really important that people respect and abide by this, and we know from experience that most people will.'
At the media briefing, Councillor Cutts said 'young people don't think they are ever going to catch anything' when asked why the alcohol ban had been put in place.
She told reporters: 'What we feared might happen, and what the police feared might happen is people would go to the pub, they'd have a meal and they'd have some drinks and come out and go straight to the off-licence and buy a bottle and go and continue their partying elsewhere.
'We're trying to stop that. That's something which has been blighting a bit of Nottinghamshire... younger people don't ever think they are going to catch anything.
'So that's where that came from and we have supported them on that.'