Two police vehicles were damaged and four people arrested after police dispersed a gathering of 50 individuals that were in contravention of COVID-19 legislation in Farnworth.
Police attended a property in Crummock Grove, Farnworth yesterday.
They encountered a large gathering including a gazebo set up with loud speakers, music equipment and party lights.
While police were dealing with the incident, a man threw an object at the window of a police vehicle and damaged the wing mirror of a second police vehicle, before attempting to flee.
He was pursued on foot and a taser was discharged before the man, aged 33, was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
One man aged 57 was arrested for a section five public order offence after causing a disturbance in the street when refusing to leave.
Two men aged 39 and 28 were arrested to prevent a breach of the peace after being directed to leave on a number of occasions and continuing to return to the address, becoming abusive toward attending officers.
All four were further arrested for breach of COVID-19 regulations, and fixed penalty notices were issued.
The home owner and another individual who had organised the party were also issued with fixed penalty notices.
Chief Inspector Steph Parker of GMP’s Bolton District said: “This is an utterly shameful incident that that the Farnworth and wider Bolton community should totally condemn.
“At a time when the vast majority of Greater Manchester and the country as a whole is pulling together, it is appalling that our officers are still having to attend incidents such as this.
“The people involved should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. They are literally putting lives at risk and causing further pressure on our hard working emergency services.
“Not content with their disgraceful behaviour, they have also damaged two police vehicles. These will now have to be taken off the road for a period when they should be being used to help fight crime.
“Anyone who believes that breaches of COVID-19 regulations are taking place should contact police immediately.”
