Police attacked whilst responding to more than 500 weekend lockdown breaches

Police officers were allegedly attacked at the weekend whilst responding to more than 500 reports of lockdown breaches.
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Lancashire Police said three of its officers were assaulted during one of its most challenging weekend since lockdown began, with a total of 517 suspected breaches reported to the force.

It said a total of 181 people were fined for alleged breaches of lockdown restrictions between Friday morning and midnight Sunday.

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But the majority of the incidents reported to police were deemed to be within the regulations or resulted in no enforcement action being taken. A total of 336 incidents were resolved without the need to issue fines.

The force confirmed that three of its officers were attacked whilst responding to lockdown-related incidents , but said that the officers were not seriously injured.

This morning, a police spokesman said: "These assaults – while unacceptable - were thankfully relatively minor."

The force said it will provide more details on the assaults and a round-up of the weekend's lockdown breaches later today.

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We do know that one of the incidents occurred at Reps Gym in Preston, where its owner Steven Todd was visited by police for an 11th time for refusing to close.

Lancashire Police said it had responded to 517 reported breaches of lockdown restrictions over the weekendLancashire Police said it had responded to 517 reported breaches of lockdown restrictions over the weekend
Lancashire Police said it had responded to 517 reported breaches of lockdown restrictions over the weekend

The Lancashire Post had been at the gym at the time of the police visit and you can read our full report and view our video of the incident here.

Another incident led to eight people being fined after officers raided a birthday party in Blackpool.

The continued flouting of lockdown restrictions has aggravated the force's deputy chief constable Terry Woods, who said the weekend was one of the busiest yet for his officers.

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This morning, he tweeted: "Just reviewed weekends COVID incidents - one of the busiest we’ve had at 517 incidents. 181 Fines issued. 3 officers assaulted.

"Thanks again to the silent majority of the public doing their best. Thanks to my staff for their efforts protecting the NHS & public."

Last weekend, 195 fines were issued for alleged breaches, with some of those reported for hosting hot tub party's, attending anti-lockdown protests and playing football in parks.