Police promise crackdown on South Yorkshire areas still ignoring lockdown this weekend

The UK will mark 75 years since VE day on Friday (8 May), with temperatures expected to top 20 degrees in the county.

Many Britons will have a day off work for the occasion. But Superintendent Paul McCurry from South Yorkshire Police has urged members of the public to stay at home and celebrate.

He said: “I know this comes at a time when people are also making their own personal sacrifices. It’s been almost seven weeks since Covid-19 restrictions were introduced and this prolonged period of isolation and uncertainty is becoming increasingly difficult for many people.

“Understandably, people will want to share tomorrow with neighbours, family and friends. However, I encourage everyone to mark this day at home with loved ones. Please don’t socialise beyond the people you live with, or join gatherings outside your home address, no matter how small.”

Police said they will conduct enhanced patrols across the county this weekend and “hone in on areas where residents continue to report people breaching restrictions.”. They did say, however, the majority of the public have stuck to the rules.

Supt McCurry added: “Enforcement remains our last option and I can’t emphasise enough how grateful I am to the public of South Yorkshire for continuing to work with us and support us during this time.

“Please, don’t lose sight of why we are doing this. We are in this together, to save lives.”