Coronavirus: One hurt, two arrested as 150 break lockdown rules to attend a funeral

Two men were arrested and a teenage boy was injured in a motorbike accident after about 150 people broke coronavirus social distancing rules to attend a funeral in Kent.

Kent Police were warned in advance about the gathering in Sittingbourne but allowed it to go ahead because they were given “very little notice”.

The funeral on Thursday was attended by large numbers of motorcyclists and two men, aged 24 and 32, were arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving without a licence.

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The force said it was informed about the large gathering on Sheppey Way the night before but and did not get a chance to remind those involved of social distancing measures.

Chief Inspector Neil Loudon said: “Kent Police was afforded very little notice about this large gathering and as such a decision was made to allow the funeral to go ahead during what was no doubt a difficult time for those who had lost a loved one.

“Officers’ priority was to maintain a presence while offering protection to the wider community around any health concerns they may have had.”

Mr Loudon added that officers would be in touch with those who were not following rules and they will be “reminded of their personal responsibilities during these unprecedented times”.

He said there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days to provide reassurance.

“Our investigation continues and where there are clear acts of anti-social behaviour, crime, and persistent breaches of coronavirus legislation then we will seek to identify and prosecute these,” he said.

The government has allowed funerals to go ahead during the coronavirus pandemic, but only members of the deceased person’s household or close family should attend so that two-metre distance can be maintained.

(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: One hurt, two arrested as 150 break lockdown rules to attend a funeral