Police shut down an illegal music event in Deptford last night, as officers clamped down on gatherings in the final weekend before lockdown.

The gathering at Apollo Business Centre was one of 11 visited by police last night, the largest an east London rave where around 1,000 people attended.

Police were even called to a Christening celebration in High Road, Tottenham, where one individual was reported for a £10,000 fixed penalty notice.

Commander Ade Adelekan said: “If you think the next few days are an excuse to break the rules, think again. You will get caught, we will take action and impose the maximum sanctions.

“Not only are UMEs unsafe for many reasons but they brazenly disregard the current Covid-19 restrictions. As well as music events there were numerous gatherings which flout the rule of six.

“The majority of the public have had to make sacrifices during this time, we will not let those who think they are above the law get away with this selfish behaviour.

“We take the reports of Covid-19 restrictions seriously and will listen to the concerns of local residents.

“The public order team attended 11 breaches however local units will have attended several other reports of breaches over the course of the night. We will continue to respond and take action.

“I hope the arrests and subsequent fines these individuals are likely to receive send a clear message to those who intend to flout the rules.

“We are still in a pandemic and it is extremely selfish of the small minority of people to carry on without regard for the regulations.

“The restrictions are in place for an important reason, to keep everyone safe."