TEN police officers attended an illegal party during lockdown.

A police constable was handed a written warning and an acting sergeant was given reflective practice for their involvement in an outdoor gathering at an address in Hove on May 15 this year.

A total of ten police officers were later issued with Fixed Penalty Notices of £200 each for breaching the health protection coronavirus regulations in respect of gatherings indoors.

At the time of the incident, Covid-19 regulations stated that people should only mix with their own household or linked households.

Police arrived at the property at 8.46pm and found “a number of off-duty officers present”, according to a police spokesman.

Detective Superintendent Rachel Carr said: "We have taken Covid-related breaches very seriously and we do not tolerate this kind of behaviour which falls below the standards we expect of our officers and staff."

An internal investigation was carried out by the Sussex Police Professional Standards Department and resulted in a police constable being given a written warning.

An acting police sergeant was also given reflective practice, which requires officers to reflect on their actions and to improve their performance.

At the time of the incident, a spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: “Police officers were called to an address in Hove, following reports of a gathering inside on Saturday May 15 at 8.46pm. 

“This incident, in breach of current lockdown restrictions, is being investigated by the force’s Professional Standards Department.” 

Chief superintendent Nick May previously said: “We take Covid-related breaches very seriously and we are actively investigating this matter.” 

The news comes amid accusations that a Christmas party was held at Downing Street last year. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has received a backlash after leaked footage emerged showing government officials joking about a festive gathering during a time of strict Covid-19 restrictions. 

In the footage, obtained by ITV News, the alleged party is referred to as a "business meeting" and a "cheese and wine" event by Mr Johnson’s then-press secretary Allegra Stratton and adviser Ed Oldfield. 

Around 40 to 50 people allegedly attended the gathering in a room at Number 10 on December 18 last year. 

Just two days earlier, London had been put into Tier 3 of Covid restrictions, which prevented mixing indoors with people not in your household. 

Mr Johnson has insisted that Covid rules were followed, although on Tuesday avoided questions about whether or not a party had taken place. 

The Metropolitan Police said they are aware of the footage in relation to alleged breaches of coronavirus restrictions. 

In the footage, Ms Stratton says: "This fictional party was a business meeting... and it was not socially distanced." 

One aide was also heard saying: "It wasn't a party, it was cheese and wine."