‘Selfish morons’: Dozens of revellers fined after hundreds gather in Liverpool park for St Patrick’s Day

Many were drinking Guinness. Lots came dressed in green.

More than 40 fines have been handed out and one man arrested after hundreds of revellers gathered in a Liverpool park to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in breach of coronavirus restrictions.

Dozens of police officers were called in to disperse the crowds, many of who were wearing green while drinking in the evening sun. Several were decked out in Guinness hats.

“Selfish morons,” declared Liverpool actor Elisa Cowley on Twitter.

Local volunteers working late into Wednesday night collected more than a dozen bags of litter from the site once the crowds had been moved on. Among the rubbish were cans, bottles – and masks.

Superintendent Mark Wiggins of Merseyside Police said: “Our officers responded quickly to disperse a large group that had gathered at Sefton Park this afternoon.

“Those who chose not to leave when instructed to do so were given fixed penalty notices.

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“I would like to thank the people living in the local community and those who were attempting to use in the park in a safe and sensible manner with their families for their patience while this matter was dealt with.

“Unfortunately there are people who believe the rules that the rest of us abide by are not meant for them. But we are here to protect our communities and will not tolerate when people choose to ignore the rules and put others at risk.”

Some 43 fixed penalty notices were handed out in total while one man was detained on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly. A dispersal notice was put in place for the area until 6am on Thursday morning.

Under current coronavirus restrictions, groups of two are allowed to meet up with each other outside to exercise.