Forty people have been given on-the-spot fines after flouting lockdown rules and attending house parties.

Police in Canterbury say they are working with universities to encourage students "not to risk their own health and that of others", following the series of incidents last week.

At 11.15pm last Thursday, officers were called to a property in Somner Close following a report a group of students were having an unlawful party. Five people living at the address, who had organised the gathering, were issued with fines.

At about 11.45pm the next night, police were called to a property in Otham Close after more than 10 people were seen leaving a house by the back door. About eight people left the area when police arrived and four others were issued with fixed penalty notices.

On Saturday, shortly before 11.30pm, there was a report of about 20 people at a property in Kemsing Gardens. Officers attended and 19 fines were issued.

Later the same night, a further 14 fines were issued after officers attended another party at a property in South Street.

Insp Guy Thompson, of Canterbury Community Safety Unit, said: "Students are a valued part of the community in Canterbury and the vast majority continue to respect Government rules to stop the spread of Covid-19. However, there are a small number who cause a nuisance to neighbours and breach Government legislation by hosting parties and large gatherings.

"We work closely with all universities in Canterbury, who have also spoken to students about the legislation and the consequences of breaking the rules, as part of our engagement approach, and we will continue to do so."

There have already been several other similar incidents in the city since the pandemic began.

In October, two teenagers breached lockdown rules by holding a noisy bash in Ulcombe Gardens with "well in excess" of 30 revellers in attendance.

They were hit with £10,000 fines, making it the first case of its kind in Kent.

In November, five men faced fines of £10,000 each after a house party with up to 80 guests was broken up by police in South Street.

The University of Kent, which has a large campus in Canterbury, stresses that only a minority of students are breaking the rules.

A spokesman said: "While we continue to work closely with the local police, we are pleased to report that the majority of our students have acted responsibly since the beginning of the pandemic and understand their role in helping prevent the spread of Covid-19.

"Our students receive regular reminders to follow government guidelines, including the rules on socialising indoors and outdoors, and that any breach of these guidelines can result in police or University action being taken against them.

"They are also reminded that this applies to those in University accommodation as well as off-campus."

The police have been approached for more information.

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