Hertfordshire Police have taken more enforcement action against Covid rule breakers as more fines were dished out in the county.

One incident occurred at a student property in The Runway in Hatfield, where University of Hertfordshire students had gathered to have a FIFA tournament on Tuesday, January 12.

Officers received reports of an unlawful gathering at the property around 1am and on arrival found more than 20 people at the address.

Most people made off when police arrived, Hertfordshire Constabulary said.

Those remaining inside the address were reported for breaching coronavirus regulations and after a joint investigation between officers and the University of Hertfordshire, five £200 fines were issued.

A spokesperson from the University of Hertfordshire said: “The safety of our community is our absolute priority, and we expect our students to follow the national guidance and keep our community safe. We do not condone this behaviour and those who were found to have blatantly breached COVID-19 rules have been disciplined by the university.

“The vast majority of our students are following the national safety guidelines, and we will continue to work with the police and take appropriate action against those who are not.”

Chief Inspector Simon Mason said: “When our officers arrived at the address, it was clear that some sort of party had been going on. We were told that they had gathered to have an online FIFA tournament, which, as I’m sure most people are well aware, is far from a valid excuse for breaking the rules.

“This is completely unacceptable behaviour given the current climate. We are in a lockdown for a reason – thousands of people are dying. It is completely selfish to carry on as normal, and it’s an insult to all those who are adhering to the regulations as they should.

“While the vast majority of students are complying with the new legislation, we are working closely with the University of Hertfordshire in relation to those who are not respecting the rules. Anyone found to be breaching the coronavirus regulations should expect to receive a fine.

“Please play your part to protect the NHS and save lives. The instructions are clear – stay at home.”

In a separate incident that occurred this week, police broke up a gathering in Colney Fields retail park in St Albans.

A resident called officers on Monday evening reporting anti-social use of motor vehicles, St Albans Police said on twitter.

St Albans Police said a number of cars were located when officers arrived, and that the seven drivers and occupants were issued with fines for breaking Covid regulations.