Police crack down on Preston house parties as some families flout local lockdown rules

Lancashire Police said it had responded to 'numerous reports' of lockdown breaches in the city on Sunday (August 23), including children's birthday parties.

One incident in the afternoon saw officers visit a home on the Farringdon Park estate after neighbours reported a family for celebrating a birthday party together.

The party had been attended by relatives from different households - in breach of lockdown rules - and officers dispersed the party and issued advice to the homeowner.

Later in the afternoon, officers were called to a party in Lambert Road, Ribbleton, where dozens of revellers from separate households had come together to celebrate a birthday, with music, banging drums and even a bouncy castle.

Police said the celebration had been 'causing distress' to neighbours and the homeowner was hit with a £100 fine, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.

"The gathering was dispersed and the home owner was subsequently issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice which he was not too happy about.

"This sort of behaviour puts not only the people involved at risk but is also very selfish. All of Preston need to work together and adhere to the social distancing and current lockdown restrictions to ensure that everybody can remain safe and have an enjoyable time.

"By doing this we can ensure the lockdown is relaxed as soon as possible and we can continue to enjoy ourselves.

"We will continue to engage with the community and to encourage and explain the current lockdown restrictions and legislation before we resort to enforcing our powers under the current legislation."