Blackpool birthday party raided by police with more than £24,000 issued in fines

The celebration was taking place at a home in Newlands Avenue, off Preston New Road, when it was raided at around 9pm.

Police say more than 30 people had gathered for a person's 21st birthday in breach of Covid restrictions.

Each person in attendance was handed a fine of £800, meaning at least £24,000 in fines were handed out. The stiff penalty applies to all those caught at the gatherings where more than 15 people are present.

It is not clear at this stage whether the organiser has been fined £10,000 for hosting the party (the £10,000 fine is issued to those holding gatherings of more than 30 people).

If they have, it would mean more than £35,000 in fines were issued at the party.

PC Ian Lester said: "We have attended a house party on Newlands Avenue, Blackpool where over thirty people were inside a dwelling for a 21st birthday party.

"All participants issued with fixed penalty notices at a cost of £800 each.

"Please be advised that we will continue to issue fines to those who contravene the current regulations that are in place."