A POLICE car was seen patrolling the seafront today ahead of a planned New Year's Eve party - in breach of Covid restrictions.
It comes after The Argus revealed that the "Freedom Protest Street Party" had been organised at Black Rock Car Park.
A poster promoting tonight's event encouraged would-be revellers to "raise the vibration for 2021 with your awake family".
Police are aware of the event and this afternoon a patrol car was seen on the promenade in Hove.
Both Sussex Police and Brighton and Hove City Council have warned residents against hosting and attending large gatherings to celebrate the end of 2020.
Chief Superintendent Julia Pope said: "Your decisions and the actions you take now could help save lives.
"We are at an absolutely crucial stage in the pandemic where Sussex has been moved into the highest level of restrictions due to a new strain of the virus.
"Please stick to the rules; stay in, keep celebrations small, don’t invite people round for a party, or attend gatherings of more than two people from different households outside.
"Where there are blatant breaches and reckless flouting of these regulations then we will intervene, we will be robust and we will take enforcement action.
- READ MORE: Protest New Year's Eve Brighton party planned
"Please continue to work with us and help save lives - and hopefully next year things will be better."
Ch Supt Pope spoke after Sussex Police issued 11 fines to a group from London, who held a house party in Stanford Avenue, Brighton.
Officers attended the address in the early hours of yesterday morning and dished out the fixed penalty notices for breaches of Covid rules.
Doctor Katie Cuming, a public health consultant for Brighton and Hove City Council, issued a statement today warning that "new ew year’s parties and gatherings at this time could be Covid 'super-spreader' events".
She said: "We must all avoid large gatherings of any kind, not mix indoors with households who are not in our support bubble and when we’re indoors, let fresh air in.
“This year it is so important not to meet up with people outside of your household or your support bubble to mark new year.
“New year’s parties and gatherings at this time could be Covid "super-spreader" events, leading groups of people to catch the infection and potentially become seriously ill, resulting in the loss of more lives.
“Demand for all NHS services across Sussex has risen significantly with the annual pressures that come with winter and the addition challenge of higher infection rates of COVID-19 in the community in recent weeks.
“Staff across the NHS are working tirelessly to ensure they continue to provide safe consistent care and roll out the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
“Please help them by following all the guidance to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
“See in 2021 safely and smaller this year. Celebrate New Year's Eve and the new year at home."
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