SEVEN people have been arrested after 40 guests went to a birthday party in Bolton.

Officers were called to a house on Wemsley Grove, Tonge Moor, just before 8pm last night to reports of a group of people fighting.

When they reached the property, they found a birthday party in full swing, with roughly 40 guests - both adults and children.

Guests were encouraged to leave, but officers were initially met with hostility as they refused to budge.

Eventually people started to trickle out, although one small group refused to leave, before deliberately coughing and spitting.

Seven people – aged between 23 and 48 – were arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, and for breaching covid-19 regulations.

After some time in police custody, all seven received a fine.

One other person at the house was not arrested, but given a fine at the scene.

Assistant chief constable Robert Potts, said: “When the vast majority of us are all making such sacrifices in order to reduce the transmission of the virus and save lives as a result it is really disappointing to see the rules being flagrantly ignored by those who are putting their own safety and the safety of so many others at risk.

“This remains an incredibly challenging time for everybody but we all need to follow the legislation and government guidance in order to save lives and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.

“Following this incident yesterday, the Bolton Neighbourhood Team will be out providing reassurance to residents in the area, so please feel free to speak to them if you have any questions or concerns.”

The Bolton Neighbourhood Team can be contacted on 0161 856 5775.

Contact the police urgently by calling 101, and call 999 in an emergency.