A number of Sussex Police officers are under investigation after being found off-duty at a party that broke lockdown rules.

Up to 10 officers were reportedly discovered when their on-duty colleagues turned up at a Hove property on the evening of 15 May.

It came two days before lockdown rules eased to allow limited indoor mixing. But even after the change, such gatherings were still limited to six people or two households.

A Sussex Police spokesperson confirmed a “number of off-duty officers” were found inside the property in breach of lockdown rules, and that its Professional Standards Department was investigating.

Chief Superintendent Nick May said: “We take COVID-related breaches very seriously and we are actively investigating this matter.

“The officers involved have not been suspended while the investigation continues.”

More than 340 fines of £10,000 have been issued in England for organising a gathering of more than 30, according to data from the National Police Chiefs Council last week.

There have also been 3,275 fines of £800 for gatherings of more than 15 people since the pandemic began.

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