Officers keep up the pressure on illegal gatherings as we head into the weekend

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Police are keeping up the pressure this weekend on illegal large gatherings which are putting lives at risk, as new footage shows a birthday party with 50 people being hosted in a soundproof room.

Our officers were tipped off about the bash by a member of the public who’d noticed taxis bringing around a dozen guests to the venue, above shops on Erdington High Street, at around 11.30 pm yesterday.

Once inside, our officers found a DJ, disco lights, beer, birthday cake − and even Class A drugs.

Around 50 people were found there and fined, while the suspected organizer was arrested after refusing to give their details. They could now face a fine of £10,000 under coronavirus legislation.

Meanwhile, officers responding to reports of a house party in Kings Norton at around 12.30 am today spotted flashing lights and heard music coming from inside.

The lights went out when they realized officers were outside, and a woman came to the door in a dressing gown in an apparent bid to make the officers think all was quiet.

After being questioned as to why she was wearing jewelry and fake lashes to bed, she showed officers inside the flat − where Police had been told a party was being streamed live on Instagram.

Some guests were allowed to leave but three people were arrested after two of our officers were assaulted.

This weekend, our officers will be on dedicated patrols responding to people’s reports of coronavirus law breaches.

They’ll continue to use the approach of engaging and educating people before issuing fines, which range from £200 to £10,000.

ACC Chris Todd said: “Our officers don’t get any enjoyment out of spoiling people’s fun. They are simply trying to keep people safe and reduce the spread of the virus. Where one person might be asymptomatic with the virus, the next might become seriously ill or worse. People who go to these events need to know that they could be spreading the disease without knowing it, or even picking it up while they are out and then bringing it home to loved ones. These breaches are likely to prolong the duration of this pandemic for everyone. Most people are doing their bit, and we are grateful to them for making our jobs easier and saving lives.”

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