West Midlands Police shut down 125 parties and raves over the weekend

A UK police force shut down 125 parties and rampages as hundreds of people broke the law over the weekend.

West Midlands police chiefs have criticized those who staged “reckless gatherings” amid fears of a second surge in coronavirus infections.

Among them was a rave attended by 600 people in Aston, Birmingham, which was closed on Saturday night.

A few kilometers away, 60 revelers were also caught partying in Erdington, a suburb of Birmingham. The party was complete with a DJ.

Officers also intervened at an illegal rave in Sorrell Park in Erdington.

On the same night, police also closed The Holly Bush pub in Cradley Heath, Sandwell, for 48 hours following loud music and anti-social behaviour.

Meanwhile, on Friday night the force broke up a rave in Bordelsey Green and a block party in Nechells, both in central Birmingham.

Birmingham has been one of the worst-hit areas in the UK during the pandemic, with 5,508 confirmed cases by Monday.

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West Midlands Police said it was using drones, as well as officers who usually work in its football unit, to prevent illegal gatherings of more than 30 people.

Sup. Ch Claire Bell said: “We remain in a pandemic and reckless gatherings such as unlicensed parties and music events only increase the risk of the virus spreading.

“You could be putting the lives of your family and friends at risk.

“Such gatherings are not only illegal, they are a nuisance to others and a risk to public health. We have the resources to close these events.

“We have an operation in place and while we look to employ and educate people to follow the guidelines, we will look to prosecute if this is ignored.”

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