COVID-19: Police pelted with bottles while breaking up lockdown warehouse rave

Police have arrested one man and handed out 100 fines after an illegal party was held in Birmingham on Saturday.

West Midlands Police was called to an abandoned warehouse in Digbeth at around 9pm after receiving reports of an illegal event being held.

Birmingham is one of the areas going into Tier 3 when lockdown ends on Wednesday.

Officers were pelted with bottles when they forced their way into the venue and tried to break up the party.

They added someone kicked out towards an officer but the officer was not hurt.

A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and has since been released under investigation.

When searching the site, detectives found DJ equipment, Class A drugs and a knuckleduster.

A statement from West Midlands Police said: "We're reviewing all footage but believe we've identified the organisers and looking at pursuing further action.

"We were approached by a woman who suffered an ankle injury at the gathering - further highlighting the dangers of congregating at unauthorised events."

Chief superintendent Andy Beard described the event as "extremely dangerous" for the attendees and officers.

"It's extremely disappointing that some are still not grasping that such events only increase the risk of spreading a deadly virus," he said.

"We're currently under national restrictions and the region will then go into the highest tier due to the number of COVID-19 cases next week.

"It's unacceptable when people recklessly ignore the rules and put themselves and others at risk of catching the disease. It's also unacceptable that officers should be attacked while going about their duties.

"We've seized equipment, drugs and a weapon and we'll be looking to ensure there will be no repeat again."

England has been in a nationwide lockdown since 5 November, which means people are allowed to only leave their homes for specific reasons, such as going to work or school, for medical appointments or to go food shopping.

Socialising with other people indoors has been restricted. People are only allowed to meet others indoors who are part of their household or support bubble.

On 2 December, the tier system is due to be enforced again, which sees areas across the country being faced with different rules depending on the severity of infection rates.

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Digbeth, where the party was held, has been placed in the toughest tier, meaning that people will still not be able to meet anyone indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody they do not live with, or who is not in their support bubble.

This includes in any private garden and most outdoor venues.

Over the past fortnight, a total of 8,192 cases of COVID-19 have been logged in Birmingham.