POLICE have issued yet another warning after dispersing groups of rowdy drinkers in Chester-le-Street and reports of large gatherings of people in Darlington.

Durham Police have urged people not to be complacent this bank holiday weekend.

A spokesperson said: “Please don’t be complacent – we are not out of the woods yet.

“With the warm weather and upcoming bank holiday weekend, we are urging people to stick to the guidance around Covid-19, act sensibly and use common sense.”

On Wednesday, police had to disperse a group who had gathered on the riverside in Chester-le-Street to drink, and were described as “rowdy and abusive”.

Seven of them were issued with fines for breaching Covid-19 regulations.

And a 32-year-old woman was also charged after allegedly being threatening and abusive towards PCSOs, and swinging a glass bottle at them.

Meanwhile, in Darlington, large groups have also been reported to have been gathering by the river at Broken Scar to enjoy the hot weather.

A police spokesperson added: “We don’t want to stop people from having fun, but these types of gatherings are simply not acceptable given the current pandemic.

“The government guidelines are there for one very simple reason – to save lives. So please, hang in there and keep going.

“As usual, over the weekend our officers will be on patrol across County Durham and Darlington and our approach will remain the same.

“We will explain the guidance and encourage compliance, and will respond with enforcement where required when people breach the regulations and put others at risk.”