FINES of £200 each have been slapped on a group of men who ignored police requests to disperse after breaching the rule of six.

Offices issued fixed penalty notices to six of the men for ignoring the Covid-19 regulation banning gatherings of six people or more.

The group of eight were initially spotted in Blake Gardens, Bridgwater, at 6.45pm yesterday (Wednesday), when they were asked to disperse.

They were then seen together at 8.25pm, when two of the men made off.

The remaining six were handed £200 fines, while officers are making enquiries to discover the identity of the other two.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Joe Piscina said: “The vast majority continue to abide by the rules and follow the guidance in place to limit the spread of Covid-19.

!When we do have reason to speak with people, we generally find they listen to explanation of the regulations and disperse for which we are grateful.

“In this case however, the men involved were quite clearly deliberately flouting the regulation banning gatherings of more than six with no sense of guilt about the risks their actions had.

“We will continue with our approach to engage, explain and encourage but when people consciously make decisions which put lives at risk enforcement action will be taken.

“CCTV footage from the area will now be reviewed as part of enquiries to identify the other two men in the group and they can expect to be given the same punishment as their friends.”

Sgt Piscina added: “If members of the public are concerned that the law is being broken or they are experiencing anti-social behaviour, they can report this to us and we will consider the most appropriate response, targeting the most problematic behaviour.

"Reports should be made through online reporting wherever possible, and 999 should only be used in an emergency.”