Police were called to three separate house parties in Swindon on Sunday.

Officers issued 25 fines totalling £5,000 to revellers breaching Covid-19 restrictions at illegal gatherings in Rodbourne and Old Town.

The first was in the early hours of Sunday morning, when police were called to an address in Barnum Court, Rodbourne.

At the party, nine people aged between 24 and 25 were given £200 fines.

Soon afterwards a group of people were found drinking together and playing loud music in Yersin Court, Old Town. A further nine people, aged between 21 and 44, were given £200 fines.

The final party – on Sunday afternoon – was back in Rodbourne in Hughes Street where seven people between the ages of 30 and 43 were given £200 fines for attending a barbecue at a house.

Across the previous week 45 fines were issued – including those at the parties – taking the total given out by Wiltshire Police to 623.

A further 78 formal warnings were issued and seven Covid-related crimes and 23 Covid-related incidents were also recorded.

During the week the county force received 298 reports from members of the public.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills said it is important people continue to comply with the lockdown rules despite Boris Johnson’s roadmap announcement.

He said: “I know the news of further house parties held over the weekend will be incredibly frustrating for the vast majority of people adhering to the rules, who are missing their friends and family.

“But please be reassured that on behalf of communities, we will not tolerating these blatant breaches and will quickly move to enforcement in these incidences.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson added: "The news from the government seems to be positive, with the vaccine roll-out progressing well, allowing them to start planning for an eventual return to normal life.

"Whilst we anticipate that tonight’s announcement will show some light at the end of the tunnel, we cannot be complacent and we must all continue to do our bit to keep the virus under control.

"I would urge all residents not to pre-empt the announcements before they are confirmed by the prime minister.

"We know that many restrictions will continue to last throughout the spring, and potentially into the summer, so please continue to adhere to the rules to help keep us all safe."