Police see reduction in groups gathering on streets of Sheffield suburb

South Yorkshire Police stepped up patrols of Page Hall and Fir Vale following complaints of large numbers ignoring social distancing guidelines and continuing to socialise outdoors in large groups.

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Over recent weeks there have been a number of brawls in the community, which also attracted large groups of onlookers.

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The incidents led to calls for South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield Council to take action, with residents fearful of the spread of coronavirus in the community.

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There were also calls for the army to be deployed to the area.

Police patrols were increased and the Serious Violent Crime Taskforce was brought in.

In a Facebook post last night, the Sheffield North East neighbourhood policing team said: “Sergeant Mackey has been out on foot patrol in Page Hall this evening with another four miles covered.

“Much more compliance this evening with gatherings, with no large groups needing to be engaged with.

“Plenty of advice around distancing for those smaller groups of people enjoying the break in the clouds and socialising, however.”

Lockdown measures have been eased this week, with groups of six now allowed to socialise outside.

Schools also opened to more pupils and a growing number of fast food outlets and restaurants are now trading again.

As of yesterday, 274 hospital patients were recorded as having died in the city after testing positive for Covid-19.

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