Police Break Up Huge Illegal Gathering in Providence Place
A quick-thinking member of the public tipped off cops about a huge crowd at a community centre in Providence Place just after 5pm today (Friday 13 November).
Officers arrived to find around 50 people packed inside, flouting coronavirus restrictions.
Dispersal Order Issued — Organiser Faces Legal Action
Police slapped a Section 34 dispersal order on the crowd, forcing everyone to clear the area. The property was then secured to prevent any further gatherings.
The organiser was tracked down and reported for summons, charged with breaching Regulation 10 of The Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020.
Sussex Police Praise Public, Warn Against Breaching Rules
“Thanks to the public for reporting this, we acted quickly to break it up,” said Sussex Police. They stressed they will keep working with communities to enforce coronavirus rules.
“We’ll continue to engage, explain, and encourage compliance,” the statement added. “But make no mistake — if you break the rules, we’ll take action.”
