By James Simons-
A police officer from Manchester police was left with a broken jaw at a large house party in Stockport, after a female punched him in the face.
The incident occurred as cops tried to terminate a house party in Manchester where lockdown measures have been imposed to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The confrontation confirms the ongoing battle officers face in enforcing lockdowns in those parts of the Uk where Covid-19 infections have risen at a disturbing rate.
Oldham and parts of Blackburn and Pendle in Lancasheire, will face extra restrictions to stem the spread of Covid-19. As from midnight on Saturday, residents in the above areas will not be allowed to socialise with anyone from outside their household. Workplaces, childcare facilities and businesses, including restaurants and pubs, will remain open.
Bosses at Greater Manchester Police dealt with around 2000 extra calls a week about people failing to follow the coronavirus lockdown regulations
Cops closed down Wilmslow Road in Rusholme, as people gathered in the street and danced on cars.Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey told BBC Radio Manchester that having to respond to COVID breaches is placing ‘a huge demand’ on resources for the force.
Current social distancing restrictions in place for the region ban people from different households mixing in homes or gardens.
But ACC Bailey said people are ‘frustrated’ with the rules, leading to them flouting the restrictions.
“Where we stand currently, this is placing a huge demand for policing resource on us”, ACC Bailey said.
“Unlike when we had the full lockdown, we have normal calls now as well as probably the 2000 extra calls a week in relation to the breaches since the new restrictions came in.
“Thankfully, most of the time people are compliant, they accept it, they maybe take the advice and guidance.
“But we are seeing some extreme cases where the nature of the gatherings that are in breach involve alcohol, involve lots of people.”
He said that last night, police were called to at least 40 house parties across the region.
“There was one large house party in Stockport where we’ve potentially got an officer who was assaulted by a female and had their jaw broken”, he added.
“People are frustrated and want to be with their friends and families. They’re gathering together and often alcohol is involved.
“A lot of the community has returned to normal so the crime that always took place over Greater Manchester is still going on.
“We’re still getting those calls so we are having to prioritise our resources daily, particularly to those who are vulnerable or who have personal crimes committed against them, as well as these calls in relation to COVID.
Last weekend, police recorded 863 incidents related to COVID-19. Of these, 62 related to licensed premises.
Hundreds of people were caught on Snapchat footage partying in a giant gazebo at a property in Gorton and a wedding with more than 50 guests was held in a marquee in Whalley Range