LATEST NEWS: 'No way' Council staff could stop large crowd gathering for burial where people were 'not socially distanced'

POLICE were in attendance as people gathered for a funeral in Bradford today.

There was traffic disruption in the Tong Street area early this afternoon before the funeral service at St Columba's Church in the Parish of St Mary.

Police were also in attendance as a number of people gathered for the burial in Bowling Cemetery in West Bowling.

The T&A has been sent pictures appearing to show a sizeable gathering, but police reported there were no breaches of Covid-19 guidelines and said the “funeral passed off peacefully.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Police are aware of a funeral taking place on Tong Street today in Bradford.

"Prior to the funeral, police spoke with the family and the church around the arrangements and what was expected in terms of adhering to Covid-19 guidelines.

"High visibility patrols attended today to engage with members of the public to explain and encourage them to comply with the rules.

"There was an impact on traffic in the area but the funeral passed off peacefully.

"There were no reported breaches of Covid guidelines."

Bowling Cemetery is run by Bradford Council and a spokesperson for the local authority revealed it is investigating the situation.

The spokesperson said: "We are investigating and will respond when [the] investigation is completed."

Bradford Council's policy during the current coronavirus pandemic stipulates that a maximum of 20 mourners are allowed at a burial service. 

This is to ensure a safe distance of at least two metres (six feet) can be maintained between individuals.

The policy also outlines, other than the Funeral Director and funeral staff, only members of the deceased person's household, close family members and an officiant of choice (if the bereaved request this) should attend the burial.

If those relatives cannot attend, close friends can go to the burial instead.

The policy states: "If, among these 20 mourners, there are members of one family present who live together and attend the funeral together then they will not be required to physically distance from each other."

It also outlines that an immediate area around the grave will have a temporary cordon and mourners should stand behind this during the service and when the coffin is lowered into the grave.

The policy states: "A maximum of six pall bearers and the Funeral Director may be present at graveside services; regrettably no family bearers are permitted."

Bradford Council's policy is in line with Government guidance issued on May 18, 2020 regarding funerals, burials and cremations.