MORE than 20 people have been fined for breaching coronavirus restrictions after police were called to reports of a party in the Shipley area.

Officers attended Victoria Mills, found on Salts Mill Road, around 4.30am on Sunday and forced entry after the occupants refused to let police in.

21 people were found inside the one bedroom apartment and were served with fixed penalty notices for £800 each, before being dispersed from the location. 

It is believed the apartment had been booked online and enquiries are ongoing to identify who made the booking, and the owner of the apartment. 

Chief Superintendent Daniel Greenwood, Bradford District Commander, said: “The possible consequences of this virus should be clear to everyone by now, so it is disappointing to see that some people are choosing to ignore this and carrying on as if it does not matter. 

“We continue to work hard to keep the public safe during this ongoing pandemic and to make sure that people are following the guidelines, which are there for everyone’s safety. 

“We will continue to engage, explain and encourage people to comply with these regulations, but will take immediate enforcement action where there is clear evidence of a blatant breach of the regulations.”

Reacting to the news, Cllr Martin Love told the Telegraph & Argus: "I'm unhappy to say events like these can spread the virus. 

"In a time we're trying to get on top of it it's irresponsible of people to meet up in groups, just as we're starting to get on top of things."