THREE people believed to be the organisers of an event have each been fined £10,000 each, it has emerged.

Officers were called to New Park Street in Blackburn following reports of a large gathering on Sunday. When they arrived, teams found a group of over 50 people.

As a result, three people who officers have reason to believe were the organisers of the event have been fined £10,000 each.

Superintendent Andrea Barrow, of Lancashire’s East Division said: ““We are still in the middle of a pandemic and the rules are there to stop the spread of the virus and to keep everybody safe. We know how hard it is for everyone - we want things to go back to normal just as much as everybody, but the rules are there for a reason.

“Along with our partners we had previously engaged with the organisers of this particular event and agreed that the event would not be able to go ahead in the current climate, so to have to issue these fines is especially disappointing.

“Our approach has always been and will continue to be, to engage with people to explain the rules, and we don’t take enforcement action lightly, however we will issue fines for non-compliance where necessary.

“I’d like to also thank all of those people who have been sticking to the rules, it is such a difficult time for all of us, but if we all do our bit hopefully we will get back to some normality sooner.”

On Saturday another £10,000 fine was dished out to the organiser of an event where live music was being played.

Around 45 people were present at the Kirkham event, which was being held in a marquee.