Four people have been issued with fixed penalty notices after a gathering of people was found inside a restaurant, in breach of the new Tier 4 lockdown restrictions.

Officers from the Met’s South Area Basic Command Unit were called to a restaurant in Beckenham on Sunday, 20 December at approximately 20:00hrs after reports that people were seen entering and taking their face masks off.

Upon arrival, a male was found standing at the door, who claimed to be a bouncer at the restaurant, and he refused officers entry.

This delayed the officers in getting into the premises.

However, the officers soon made their way into the restaurant where several people were seen running out of the back. They were found hiding in the rear garden.

There were approximately 20 individuals.

All were told to leave out of the front of the restaurant, which they did.

Officers identified the owner, a 29-year-old man, who admitted he knew what he was doing was wrong.

Two other men, aged 67 and 26, also identified themselves as the joint owner and general manager.

Four members of staff, including the two owners and general manger, were informed they would be reported for the offence of contravening the requirement to not participate in a gathering in a Tier 4 area of two or more people – private dwelling/any indoor space.

The restaurant was closed and officers left the venue.

Officers continue to liaise with the local authority regarding a potential breach of regulations at the premises.

Sergeant Tom Beresford from the Met’s South Area Basic Command Unit, said: “This was the first day under the new Tier 4 restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of the virus. The infection rate in Bromley is increasing and it is shocking that individuals continue to flout the rules in place.

“We will continue to work across the borough to clamp down on these offences, making sure to engage, explain encourage and enforce action where necessary.”