Police break up group prayer in private garden amid lockdown

Scotland Yard was called to a private garden in Stoke Newington where a group had reportedly gathered to pray despite the Covid-19 lockdown.

According to the Jewish Chronicle, the group’s members were strictly Orthodox men.

A spokeswoman for the force confirmed on Tuesday it received reports members of different households were praying in a private garden in Queen Elizabeth’s Walk at around 10.30am on 12 April.

“On arrival police engaged with the residents and advised them about social distancing, the importance of following the current coronavirus guidance and to remain in their own garden,” she said.

The UK, now in its fourth week in lockdown, is set to review social distancing measures this week. The number of coronavirus-related hospital deaths passed 12,100 as of Monday, health authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

Within the community, the death toll rose to 215, as of Monday, up from 209 on Sunday, according to data collated by the Board of Deputies. The latest figure, released on Tuesday, covers fatalities both in hospital and beyond.