150 Attend Funeral in Sittingbourne Sparks Police Action
Two arrests have been made after a huge funeral gathering in Sittingbourne raised anger over social distancing rules during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Police Caught Off Guard by Big Funeral
About 150 people showed up for a funeral on Sheppey Way, Sittingbourne, on April 16, 2020. Concerns quickly grew about the lack of social distancing amid the ongoing health crisis.
Kent Police only got wind of the funeral the night before, leaving no time to warn attendees to keep apart. Officers chose to let the grieving proceed but kept a visible presence to protect the community’s health.
Motorbike Mayhem and Serious Injury
The funeral attracted a large group of motorcyclists, some of whom caused disruption with dangerous riding. Two men, aged 24 and 32, were arrested for dangerous driving and driving without a licence.
Tragically, a 17-year-old boy was seriously hurt when he was hit by a motorbike on Tonge Road at around 10:40am. Kent’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is probing the incident.
Police Crackdown to Continue
Chief Inspector Neil Loudon said: “Kent Police was afforded very little notice about this large gathering and as such a decision was made to allow the funeral to go ahead during what was no doubt a difficult time for those who had lost a loved one.”
“Officers’ priority was to maintain a presence while offering protection to the wider community around any health concerns. Those identified as breaching public health advice will be contacted and reminded of their responsibilities during these unprecedented times.”
“Serious incidents during the gathering have impacted both those involved and the wider community. We’ll increase police presence around Sittingbourne while investigations continue to offer reassurance and tackle anti-social behaviour and Covid breaches.”
Authorities vow to pursue prosecutions where clear offences and persistent rule-breaking occurred.
