Police discover guests staying at five-star hotel during coronavirus lockdown

A five-star hotel was caught hosting guests during the coronavirus lockdown after police were called following a domestic incident.

Officers spoke to a couple at Ramside Hall Treehouse in County Durham, and believed it was clear guests were staying there despite it being ordered by the government to close during the lockdown.

It is believed the man had won money on a scratch card and booked a night at the hotel travelling by taxi with a woman from Chester-le-Street to stay overnight, Chronicle Live reports.

The incident, which took place on April 7, was reported to Durham County Council who contacted the hotel's management.

A Durham Police spokeswoman said: “We were called at 12.20am on April 7 to reports of a domestic incident at one of the Treehouse lodges at Ramside Hall, near Durham.

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“Officers attended and spoke to the couple involved, neither of whom wished to make a formal complaint.

“On arrival at the premises, it was clear to the officers that a number of guests were staying at the hotel, despite the Covid-19 lockdown.

“This information was shared with Durham County Council.”

Michael Yeadon, Durham County Council’s environment and health protection manager, said: “We were contacted by Durham Constabulary last month regarding an incident at Ramside Hall and informed people were staying at the site.

“We have provided information to the hotel’s management on the Government regulations which are in place for businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.”

The Ramside Hotel declined to comment.