The organiser of a mass religious gathering that flouted coronavirus restrictions is facing a £10,000 fine.

The Metropolitan Police says 86 people attended the illegal gathering at a house in Harrow on Sunday, October 25, when London had been moved to the Tier 2 coronavirus restriction.

The force said that on arrival, officers were unable to enter the property due to the number of people inside.

Officers engaged with the organiser and explained that they were in breach of the coronavirus regulations and that guests needed to leave immediately.

All 86 attendees then left the premises, police said.

The organiser has since been reported for consideration of a £10,000 fine. 

PC Sean Carroll, of the North West BCU, said: “The Coronavirus regulations have been put in place to protect us all and it is deeply disappointing that people continue to flout them.

"On this occasion, due to the seriousness of the breach, it was decided that the organisers should be reported for consideration of a fine. Large gatherings such as this can be a breeding ground for the virus, so we make no apologies for our determined efforts to shut them down and report the rule breakers.”