A HOUSE party in Bolton has seen a woman fined £10,000 for breaching coronavirus lockdown rules.

Police have pledged to crack down on people flouting pandemic restrictions, when the second national lockdown starts tomorrow.

But on Monday night, officers were called to a 40-strong house party at a home in Morris Green Lane, Deane.

Police attended at around 10.40pm and dispersed the gathering, before issuing a £10,000 fine to a woman thought to be the organiser.

Cllr Hilary Fairclough, Bolton Council's regulatory services cabinet member, said: “Holding a gathering of this size during a pandemic shows a level of reckless selfishness that is almost beyond comprehension.

“On behalf of the majority of Bolton residents who have followed the rules and made sacrifices to keep others safe, I am utterly appalled by this behaviour.

“As we enter new national restrictions, this £10,000 fine sends a clear message that any flouting of the rules simply will not be tolerated in Bolton.”

The fine comes as the organiser of a wedding party in Great Clowes Street, Salford, was also fined £10,000 for staging a wedding party for around 200 people.

Caterers, musicians, an MC and sound equipment were all found in a warehouse. Screens had also been put up in an attempt to prevent the event being seen from outside.

Supt Andrew Sidebotham, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "It's disappointing to see such blatant flouting of the rules when so many of us are making our own personal sacrifices in order to protect our community and keep others safe in the midst of this pandemic. "