Herts Police out in force in nearby Watford ahead of funeral which is expected to break lockdown rules

Hertfordshire Police is advising residents in Watford to expect more officers on the streets ahead of a funeral which could attract high numbers of mourners.

Under the coronavirus laws, a maximum of 30 people are permitted to attend a funeral service.

The force has been liaising with family members, funeral directors, church, local authority and other agencies ahead of the funeral, which is being conducted in north Watford tomorrow (Tuesday).

“The deceased person has a large family and it is likely that well over the permitted 30-people will attempt to attend the funeral,” said Superintendent Nick Caveney.

“Whilst our sympathies are with the bereaved family at what is understandably a very difficult time, observing lockdown rules is absolutely paramount, to help stop the spread of the virus and save lives.

“I sympathise with anyone who is grieving the loss of a relative at this time and I understand that it is really difficult not being able to mourn in the way you normally would. However, 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.”

Supt Caveney said local residents could expect to see an increased police presence from today (Monday).

He added: "We anticipate some disruption in the local area, including possible traffic congestion. We recognise the likely impact on local residents and businesses and will work to minimise this wherever possible.

“We will not tolerate large gatherings in excess of the regulations and we are putting a proportionate policing response in place.

"All agencies are working to prevent breaches from occurring by engaging ahead of time with family members. The funeral directors will be working to keep the number of mourners inside the church to within the 30-person limit.

“In policing the pandemic, Hertfordshire Constabulary is following the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) guidelines in applying the coronavirus regulations in our response to any breaches.

"Our officers are well-briefed on what this entails and are moving through the four Es of engagement, explaining, encouraging and finally to enforcing the coronavirus regulations if necessary.

"It is always our intention to seek prevention first and enforcement last.”

“Our colleagues in Bedfordshire Police have liaised with the cemetery, which is also looking to keep numbers limited for the burial.”

You should only leave home or travel for one of the permitted reasons set out in the ‘stay at home’ instruction at www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home. Exercise should be local and limited to once a day locally.

If you believe someone may be breaching the COVID-19 regulations, you can report information online or call 101.