Covid: Halls party with 150 students stopped in Sheffield

Police handed out £34,000 in fines after breaking up a student party attended by more than 150 "incredibly selfish" revellers.

Some partygoers fled through fire exits and set off alarms when officers were called to the Ranmoor Student Village in Sheffield.

South Yorkshire Police said one officer was injured amid the rush to leave.

The organisers have been fined £10,000 and more than 30 fines of £800 were issued.

Officers were called to the site by university security staff at 01:13 GMT on Thursday.

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Insp Ali Bywater said it was "absolutely appalling" to see "such blatant disregard" for safety "at a time when the vast majority are working so hard and making huge sacrifices to adhere to the rules".

"The actions of all those present were incredibly selfish and the fact that so many went to great lengths to flee from officers is evidence that they knew what they were doing was wrong."

Police said at one point they had 14 officers on the scene dealing with partygoers

In a statement, the University of Sheffield said its security services had been working closely with police.

It said it had stressed to students it was "their social responsibility to adhere to government guidance" and the vast majority had done so.

"We will continue to take action if we receive specific reports of anti-social behaviour, including reports of social distancing not being adhered to, as well as provide practical and emotional support to students who may be struggling at this time," it added.

Fines of up to £800 for anyone attending a house party of more than 15 people were recently introduced in England.

Repeat offenders can be fined double for each subsequent breach, up to a maximum of £6,400.

Organisers can face fines of up to £10,000 for holding large illegal gatherings of more than 30 people.