'Truly ashamed' police officer describes shock of discovering lockdown street party in Harrogate

A traffic cop said he was 'truly ashamed' after spotting a street party in Harrogate.
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Andrew Ingram tweeted his disgust after he went down a street in the town having a street party.

The tweet read: "Truly ashamed today.

Police have asked the people of Harrogate to adhere to the lockdown regulations.Police have asked the people of Harrogate to adhere to the lockdown regulations.
Police have asked the people of Harrogate to adhere to the lockdown regulations.
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"Harrogate is by far worse place I have seen for ignoring lockdown.

"Very busy even went down one street which was having a street party.

"#comeonpeople"

In his attempts to inform people of the regulations and urge people not to embark upon unnecessary travel, he also Tweeted.

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"People still travelling into the Dale's for a walk by car and coming considerable distances from home. We are all in the same boat. When I'm off duty I too am locked down. #advisingforgoodofnhs"

There had been fears that predicted good weather across the district might lead to more people venturing out and flouting the regulations.

Last week, North Yorkshire Police warned people that action would be taken if they found groups of people congregating together, even if they were discovered on the large expanse of the Stray.

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Earlier, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said sunbathing in public spaces is against the coronavirus social distancing rules, as he warned those flouting the advice that they were putting people's lives at risk.

He told Sky News's Sophy Ridge On Sunday: "The vast majority of people are following the public health advice, which is absolutely critical, and staying at home.

"But there are a small minority of people who are still not doing that - it's quite unbelievable frankly to see that there are some people who are not following the advice."

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Asked whether sunbathing in public spaces was against the law, he said: "Sunbathing is against the rules that have been set out for important public health reasons."

He warned those who are flouting the guidance: "You are putting others' lives at risk and you are putting yourself in harm's way."

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