Twelve people who rented out a property in St Albans for a house party were issued with fines before being kicked out by police.

Officers in the city were alerted to reports of a large group of people carrying alcohol arriving at an address in Victoria Street just after midnight on Saturday (February 6).

When police arrived at the address, they found 12 people inside who had all travelled from north London.

Inspector Andy Wiseman, of the St Albans safer neighbourhood team, said the partygoers, aged in their 20s, were from separate households, and it "became clear" they had rented the property for a house party.

All 12 people were issued with £200 fines for breaching lockdown restrictions before being moved on.

Inspector Wiseman said: "The lockdown rules are clear, people cannot socialise like this at the moment – we all know that and the vast majority of people are playing their part, thankfully. There is just no excuse for this behaviour and it cannot be tolerated.

"We have a moral duty to play our part and help save lives. Breaching the regulations sets us all back and is completely selfish when others have made sacrifices."

Hertfordshire Constabulary says its officers will continue to be out and about in communities, engaging, explaining and encouraging people to act responsibly and follow coronavirus rules.

The force says enforcement action will be taken if necessary, with officers targeting their patrols in high footfall areas, working with local authorities, licensing authorities and businesses to ensure the rules are being followed, identifying hotspot areas where necessary.