Two teenagers who breached lockdown rules by holding a house party in Canterbury have been hit with £10,000 fines in the first case of its kind in Kent.

Officers were on patrol in the city when they stumbled across the noisy bash in Ulcombe Gardens, where a DJ was playing to “well in excess” of 30 revellers.

A dance area had even been set up, but the party was broken up by officers and everyone was dispersed.

The following day, two 19-year-old women who organised the event were reported to police for breaching lockdown rules which limit indoor social gatherings to six people.

They were both issued with fixed penalty notices and now face a fine of £10,000 each.

Kent Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Nicola Faulconbridge says it has received a number of calls about similar gatherings in the city.

“Covid-19 remains a real and deadly threat, with the prospect of rising cases an ongoing concern across the UK,” she said.

“Over the past week we have received a number of similar calls to properties in the Canterbury area concerning gatherings, mostly involving groups of young adults.

“This is simply unacceptable and I would like to remind everyone of the detrimental impact such incidents can have on our communities and which could result in greater lock down measures being imposed on the county.

‘Social gatherings, indoors or outdoors, are still limited to groups of no more than six.

“It is also a criminal offence for people to organise or facilitate unlawful gatherings of more than 30 people and anyone caught doing this risks a high fine as a result of their actions.

“Parties like this not only put those people who attend at risk of contracting the virus, but those individuals may pass it onto others including members of their own family or work colleagues, any of whom may be especially vulnerable.

“We understand this is a difficult time for many people and whilst the vast majority are complying with the restrictions in place, I am taking this opportunity to further remind everyone of the law and the current government guidance.

'This is simply unacceptable...'

“With Halloween and Bonfire Night just around the corner, people must ensure that any event they attend is in line with the restrictions currently in place. It is important we all continue to do what is right to prevent the spread of the virus and help save lives.

“Officers will continue to work with local authorities, schools, universities and colleges, particularly in light of this recent incident in Canterbury, to ensure the regulations are being followed.

“Engaging, explaining and encouraging people to do the right thing will continue to be our preferred approach but rest assured we will take enforcement action when appropriate.”

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury