Dozens of fines have been handed out after 1,000 revellers attended a boozy St Patrick’s Day party in a park.
Partygoers defied lockdown rules as they congregated closely together in groups in Sefton Park, Liverpool on Wednesday.
They left the green space covered in empty beer cans and rubbish, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Police said 43 people were fined for breaching coronavirus rules while one person was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly.
Pictures showed crowds gathering and soaking up the sun as they marked the annual event celebrating the patron saint of Ireland.
It is understood more than 1,000 people attended one area of the park.
A dispersal order for the area was put in place on Wednesday after officers warned they "will not tolerate irresponsible individuals".
Under current coronavirus restrictions, groups of two are allowed to meet up outside.
The rule of six is not due to come into force until later this month.
Officers were called after receiving reports of a gathering in large numbers of people not in their households.
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Superintendent Mark Wiggins said: “Those who chose not to leave when instructed to do so were given fixed penalty notices.
“Unfortunately there are people who believe the rules that the rest of us abide by are not meant for them.
“But we are here to protect our communities and will not tolerate when people choose to ignore the rules and put others at risk.
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“Contrary to what some selfish people believe we are still in a national lockdown and currently people are only permitted to mix outdoors with one other person outside their household or support bubble.
“I would like to thank all those people who continue to abide by the rules in order to protect themselves and other people and would strongly urge anyone planning to meet in multiple households, either inside or outside, to consider the consequences of their actions and not put themselves at risk of receiving a substantial fine.”
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Pub bosses warned they missed out on selling 14million pints on St Patrick’s Day due to pubs being shut in lockdown.
The British Beer and Pub Association said the industry will lose £54million in Britain as a result.
Trade chiefs argued it makes it even more urgent boozers fully reopen on June 21, when all restrictions are due to be lifted.
Revellers were not even able to buy takeaway pints of Guinness, as Covid-19 rules mean pubs can only sell food for takeaway.
Under the easing of England's lockdown, from March 29 at the earliest people will be able to gather in groups of six outdoors.
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