Man arrested after 'handing out soup' in Covid rule breach

Police attended the scene in Station Road, Forest Row, on Monday and detained Nick Smith.

Mr Smith posted a video of the arrest, and discussions with police preceding it, on his Facebook page.

In the post, he said he asked a friend to "record what happened when I was asked to 'pop down to the skatepark for a chat' by the police".

The video was later shared on YouTube and it has now been viewed more than 94,000 times.

Captions accompanying the video say Mr Smith was "arrested for offering free soup in an East Sussex park every Monday through lockdown".

Sussex Police say they were called to Station Road on Monday following reports of a regular gathering where social distancing was not being observed and masks were not worn.

A man was arrested in Forest Row after breaching Covid restrictions - it is reported he had been handing out free soup in a park Credit: Nick Smith

In the video, an officer speaking to Mr Smith says: "(There was a) gathering of approximately 15 people and it was all captured on two sets of body worn video, as is this conversation here.

"What was captured on body worn video is a clear breach of the coronavirus legislation.

"...We're looking at participating in a gathering of more than two people in a public outdoor place."

Police attempted to fine Mr Smith £200 for breaching Covid laws, but this was not possible as he would not provide contact details.

So he was arrested.

• READ MORE: 120 fined in Sussex over single weekend for Covid breaches

As he is being placed in handcuffs, one onlooker can be heard saying: "Is he that dangerous that you have to handcuff him? You don't have to handcuff him, he's compliant."

Another says: "He makes beautiful soup. He's made soup and people gathered and drank a cup of soup."

Sussex Police have confirmed a man was arrested, and he has now been issued with a summons to court.

A force spokesman said: "Police were called to Station Road in Forest Row at 2.53pm on Monday (25 January) following reports of a regular gathering where social distancing was not being observed and masks were not worn.

A man was arrested in Forest Row for breaching Covid restrictions - it is reported he had been handing out free soup in a park Credit: Nick Smith

"Officers engaged with the parties involved, explained the restrictions in relation to the lockdown and encouraged compliance with the government guidelines.

"The organiser was arrested at the time, and later issued with a summons to court, having failed to provide contact details so a fixed penalty notice could be issued for the breach.

"Sussex Police are supportive of community initiatives to help protect the most vulnerable, particularly in these difficult times, and are working with the local authority to ensure individuals have the right safety measures in place.

• READ MORE: Group duck for cover after being spotted in a restaurant during lockdown by police

"To protect themselves and the public, those who are providing a takeaway service are required to complete a risk assessment and adhere to government guidance including social distancing and hygiene measures.

"Where this is not being observed, officers will take enforcement action. Local communities are therefore urged to continue to follow the regulations and guidance to curb the spread of the virus and help save lives."