Coronavirus: 150 people break lockdown advice to attend a funeral in Kent

Two men arrested as large number of motorcyclists gather for ceremony in Sittingbourne

The government says only close family members should attend funerals (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A 17-year-old boy was seriously injured when he was hit by a motorcycle after 150 people flouted coronavirus lockdown guidance to attend a funeral.

Kent Police said they allowed the gathering in Sittingbourne to go ahead because they were given “very little notice” and wanted to allow mourners the opportunity to grieve.

However there were reports of “disruptive and anti-social riding” by the large number of motorcyclists at the funeral and two men aged 24 and 32 were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving without a licence.

The 17-year-old was attending the funeral on foot and was hit by a bike at about 10.40am on Thursday. He was taken to hospital with head injuries and remains in a critical condition.

Chief Inspector Neil Loudon of Kent Police said: ‘Some serious incidents took place during this gathering which have had an impact not only on those who were involved, but also the wider community.

“As a result, there will be an increased presence of police officers in and around Sittingbourne in the coming days and weeks whilst enquiries take place and to provide some local reassurance.”

The force said it was informed about the funeral on Sheppey Way the previous evening and “was therefore unable to speak to those attending to encourage them to adhere to social distancing measures”.

Chief Inspector Loudon said: “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 they may have had.”

He added: “Our investigation continues and where there are clear acts of anti-social behaviour, crime, and persistent breaches of coronavirus legislation then we will seek to identify and prosecute these.”

Funerals are permitted during the Covid-19 pandemic but the government has said that only close family members or members of the household should attend.

Additional reporting by agencies