Hundreds cram into football stand for 'outdoor religious ceremony' in lockdown

Police were called to a park in London at the weekend after a huge crowd of people gathered to take part in an outdoor event.

Hundreds of people crammed into a football stand in Jubilee Park in Enfield, London, flouting lockdown rules that state people should still be keeping two metres apart.

Boris Johnson announced an easing of lockdown rules last week that enable people to spend more time outside and meet up with one person from one other household outdoors – while still observing social distancing.

But officers had to break up the gathering on Sunday – which they have not speficied – but warned the public that outdoor ‘baptisms and religious ceremonies’ are banned

Pictures shared by police showed swathes of people scattered across the football pitch as officers spoke to them.

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In a Facebook post, the police said a member of the public reported the ‘large gathering’ and added that the group ‘left with no issues’ after officers explained the rules.

Enfield Police said: ‘Thank you to the public who have reported a large gathering in Jubilee Park today.’

It warned: ‘STOP all social events, including baptisms, religious ceremonies and weddings.

‘Officers attended the location and followed the regulations by engaging and explaining with the individuals. They all left with no issues.

‘Please let’s all work together to ensure everyone’s safety. Follow the government guidelines.

‘Outdoor religious ceremonies are not permitted.’

Many of the comments slammed the group for ignoring distancing rules that are still in place, warning that it will take even longer to lift lockdown if the virus starts to spread once again.

Following the news that Prime Minister’s aide Dominic Cummings broke lockdown to visit family members in Durham when he should have been self-isolating due to coronavirus, led many to question whether they should even be following the rules.

Dawn Breary said: ‘Yes this is all going on, but when the government and MPs aren’t following the rules then what are people meant to think?

‘It seems one rule for one and another for everyone else.’

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