Police have handed out a £10,000 fine after dispersing a large gathering at Hitchin Yeshiva in North Hertfordshire on Saturday night. 

Hertfordshire said around 150 people had attended what they described as “a service of remembrance event”. 

Under coronavirus rules, a maximum of six people are permitted to attend a wake or celebration of life event, although up to 30 people may attend a funeral. 

North Herts Safer Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Jon Roche said: “We sympathise with anyone who is grieving the loss of a relative at this time and understand that it is really difficult not being able to mourn in the way you normally would, but we all have to remember that the rules are in place for a reason and the vast majority of people are doing the right thing. 

“The lockdown rules are clear and we all have a moral duty to play our part and help save lives. Breaching the regulations sets us all back and is the wrong thing to do when so many others have made sacrifices.” 

The £10,000 fixed penalty issued to the organiser of the gathering should act as a “real deterrent,” he said.  “We will act and fine those who are blatantly flouting the law.”