Police have responded to reports of a group gathered in a Swindon car park tonight, just hours after the Prime Minster announced a ban on congregating in public to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
Around ten vehicles – some modified – and 20 people were in the The Parade Car Park in John Street from around 9pm, with some of the drivers behaving in an anti-social manner and driving dangerously.
Initially two police officers and a community support officer attended the scene after Wiltshire Police issued a Section 35 Dispersal Order in the area, but after the driver of a blue BMW threatened a journalist reporting on the incident several more units were called in to provide backup.
Subsequently, officers were forced to detain the occupants of BMW for a drugs search.
The Section 35 Dispersal Order, covering the John Street area, will remain in place for 24 hours.
It’s not believed any arrests were made, but drivers in the area were warned they could be arrested if they are witnessed entering the area before 11pm tomorrow.
