REVELLERS who travelled from as far as Scotland to attend an illegal wedding have been fined after officers broke up a party in a factory.

Around 25 people, some of who had travelled from London, Birmingham, Manchester and Inverness, were found inside a furniture factory in Mill Hill, Blackburn, on Monday afternoon.

Inside the premises was a buffet, specialist lighting and decorations and a dance floor.

As a result of the discovery, 29 people have been issued with a £200 fine for breaching coronavirus regulations.

Sergeant Steve Dundon said: "Yesterday evening (Monday 16) we were called to reports of music and a large group in a furniture factory in Mill Hill.

"Officers have attended and were shocked to discover what was essentially a wedding function taking place within the factory. There was lighting, glittery backdrops, a dancefloor and even a buffet with approximately 25 'guests' present.

"The group have then tried to disperse around the factory and have effectively engaged in a game of hide and seek with our patrols.

"The group were eventually rounded up we issued 29 £200 fixed penalty tickets for breaching coronavirus regulations and are currently speaking with the local authority to look at taking action against the organiser of the wedding.

"Of most concern is that some these individuals had travelled from as far afield as London, Birmingham, Manchester and even Inverness. The blatant disregard for the rules is a slap in the face to those of us who are doing our very best in this current situation."

On Tuesday, officers were called to further reports of people flouting regualtions in a Blackburn gym.

When they attended they found seven people inside working out.

Sgt Dundon continued: "Unfortunately there are still those who continue to flout the rules and there have been a couple of really significant breaches in Blackburn.

"We completely understand that people want to keep fit and active, but working out in an indoor venue with others is simply not allowed at the moment.

"These individuals have also received fixed penalty notices and the gym owner has been reported to the local authority.

"We urge anyone who is tempted to engage in these kinds of activity to just think twice and consider the serious consequences if they were to catch or spread the virus to a vulnerable person. Would you really want that on your conscience?"