Police broke up mass New Year gathering by Watford hospital

Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed details of a New Year party which took place in west Watford, where coronavirus cases are very high.

Police say between 60 and 100 people attended the gathering in Vicarage Court, which is just by the under-pressure Watford General Hospital.

A man was arrested at around 3.50am on New Year’s Day on suspicion of organising a gathering of over 30 people and obstructing a police constable in the execution of his duty.

He was given a £200 fine and released with no further action.

Of all wards across Watford, recent government data shows the west of the town is where coronavirus cases are very high.

Data shows that in the seven days to December 29 – before the party occurred – 104 cases were recorded in west Watford, up 22 from the previous week.

The number of coronavirus cases in Watford wards

And it is where Watford General Hospital is based, which was described as being under “severe pressure” in December by the Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group.

Data shows West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs Watford General Hospital, is caring for a record 285 Covid patients as of 8am on December 30.

Watford General Hospital

Watford Police said earlier this week on Facebook that they were called to "many" Covid breaches in the town over New Year, including gatherings and house parties, with warnings and fines issued.

Watford Mayor Peter Taylor slammed those who attended New Year gatherings.

He said: "This really selfish behaviour is incredibly reckless and completely unacceptable.

"The number of Covid cases is soaring locally. Our hospital is under enormous pressure at the moment.

"Behaviour like this will mean it is even more difficult for NHS workers trying to prevent more lives being lost to this virus.

"I am grateful to the police for all they are doing but all of us need to behave responsibly to stop the virus getting out of control in Watford."