PSNI raid 34 New Year’s Eve parties during ‘really busy night’

Despite lockdown over New Year’s Eve, police had a “really busy night” with 1000 calls for help and over 160 enforcements regarding pandemic rules, including 34 hours parties.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark McEwan said: “Despite the new Health Regulation restrictions in place, our officers had a really busy night across Northern Ireland.

“Between 8pm on New Year’s Eve to 8am this morning, we received 1,004 calls for service in relation to reports of anti-social behaviour, assault, concern for safety, criminal damage, missing persons and road traffic collisions.

“Of particular concern was the number of domestic abuse incidents and, in the last 24 hours, we received reports of 86 incidents of domestic abuse from homes across Northern Ireland. As a result of this, police made 38 arrests across Northern Ireland.

“Sadly, we know domestic abuse doesn’t only occur at Christmas, that it happens all year round. Historically, however, figures show over the Christmas period incidents of domestic abuse rise.

ACC McEwan explained that in relation to breaches of the Health Regulations, enforcement action was taken by officers right across Northern Ireland.

Officers issued 126 Cov4 £200 fines and also 34 Cov2 prohibition notices in respect of house parties. Two Cov5 penalty notices were also issued in respect of businesses continuing to operate in breach of the Regulations.

ACC McEwan said: “It’s really disappointing that despite the health crisis due to the deadly virus, there were still people last night who deliberately decided to breach the Regulations and put themselves and others at risk.

“I do want to take this opportunity to thank the vast majority of people who are being responsible, and who are doing their bit and continuing to take this virus seriously as we navigate this pandemic. It is vitally important that people take the time to understand what is and is not permitted under the new regulations, what is advised by way of guidance, and to take personal responsibility for stopping the spread of this virus.”

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