Nottinghamshire Police made an arrest and issued dispersal orders after reports of groups not social distancing in the city centre last night.
Officers were called to St James’ Street in Nottingham to reports of people congregating after leaving bars as they closed at around 10pm.
One man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, while dispersal orders were issued to ensure people left the city centre.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “Officers arrested one man and issued a number of dispersal orders following these reports.
“Officers arrested one 18-year-old man on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly. He remains in police custody.
“Meanwhile, the force issued a number of dispersal orders to people who refused to leave the area.
“Following the reports, officers were swiftly on the scene to disperse the crowds from the Old Market Square and the rest of the evening had no incidents of note.
“The vast majority of the Nottinghamshire community has understood the very serious situation the city and county are currently in with infection numbers and hospital admissions increasing on a daily basis.
“It is the case that people are being issued fines for breaching the regulations but more importantly the virus is spreading rapidly throughout the community and people are dying.
“It’s important to highlight that this kind of behaviour potentially puts the health of individuals, our officers at risk, and their families too, when they are attending such gatherings. We are very determined to protect the public and will continue to respond quickly to such incidents.
“We have to do all we can to stop the spread of Covid-19 and better protect older and more vulnerable people – as well as helping to reduce pressure on the emergency services and NHS as we move into winter.”
