Coronavirus: House closed by court order for three months after ‘200-strong’ lockdown party

Measures should act as ‘warning’ to anyone thinking of hosting illegal gatherings, police say

A house where 200 people flouted coronavirus lockdown rules to attend a party has been hit with a three-month closure notice, meaning that only its owners and those living there can enter.

Officers were pelted with projectiles when they attempted to bring the party in Gorton to a close on Saturday night, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

Filming aerial footage of the partygoers, police issued the 27-year-old female tenant at the Harlow Drive address with a £100 fixed penalty notice.

And on Tuesday, GMP and Manchester City Council obtained a three month closure order from Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court.

The force said the court order should act as a warning to any others considering hosting such gatherings.

“Throughout Covid-19, GMP has been engaging with people in Gorton and I would like to thank the majority for being compliant with the restrictions,” said Inspector Jim Adams.

“However, this incident was completely unacceptable and incomprehensible so I am pleased that the court has accepted our application to extend the 48-hour closure notice to ensure that there are no further illegal large gatherings at this property.

“I understand that this is a frustrating time – many of us want to see our loved ones but we need to continue complying.

“Enforcement is a last resort for GMP but today’s closure order is a warning that officers will take action if necessary.”

Manchester City Council welcomed the “tough” action, which it said served as a reminder that public health must be the first priority, and that “selfish breaches of the rules will not be tolerated.

“This was a particularly flagrant breach of Covid-19 restrictions, which are in place to protect everyone in our communities and must be respected,” said deputy council leader Nigel Murphy.

“It is only if we all play our part by acting responsibly and doing our bit that we will start to see cases coming down, thus avoiding the risk of further restrictions being brought into force.”

The housing association One Manchester said it did not condone the illegal gathering, which took place at one of its properties, adding that it supported the court order and was working closely with GMP and the council.

“We don’t condone any gatherings of this kind,” said chief executive Nic Kershaw. ”The safety of our customers, colleagues and communities remains our highest priority.”