Police criticised over approach to Watford promotion party

Delighted Hornets fans descended onto the High Street on Saturday to celebrate the club’s promotion-clinching 1-0 win over Millwall, with hundreds having gathered around the pond to party.

Several jumped into the pond whilst others chanted and danced to mark Watford's return to the top flight at the first time of asking, although most were not observing social distancing while very few could be seen to be wearing face masks.

There were several police officers in the town centre, although police did not break crowds up and instead observed the celebrations from a distance.

Watford Chief inspector Ian Grout defended the passive approach, saying his officers have a responsibility to make sure their actions do not “exacerbate or provoke a situation that could cause injury to members of the public, or our colleagues".

Watford Observer readers took to social media during the celebrations to express their anger over the scenes in the town centre, with several criticising fans for disregarding coronavirus rules and police for not taking action.

One reader named Nicky said: “Where’s the rules gone ... where’s the police splitting this up??!? Seriously!!!!!!”

Another called Caz said: “Come on Watford police break it up and issue fines. So many of us have had our lives on hold yes it’s great they have been promoted back after being relegated last season but come on show some common sense we are still under semi lockdown restrictions don’t blow it now guys.”

One woman said the scenes on Saturday were an “absolute disgrace”.

Lisa said: “I don't want another lockdown why are the police allowing this no social distancing and no masks?”

Another named Ali added: “A 1000 shame on these people a third wave on the way. Where is the police and issuing fines? We need to be very strict as we can't mess up at this time.”

However, some have defended police over their actions on Saturday.

One reader called Robert said: “Policing it in a low key way made total sense. Doing the opposite would have caused more of a public order challenge and would have required quite staggering resources. Well done to the police's leadership for taking a balanced and pragmatic approach.

“The police don't get everything right, but they do a remarkably difficult job. We should congratulate them when they do make excellent judgements, as they did this weekend.”

Another named Jon said: “Well policed, kept the event good natured.”

During the celebrations, no offences were recorded, no injuries were reported and no arrests were made.

Read more - No arrests made at Watford promotion party as police boss defends passive tactics

Chief Inspector Grout said: “The public quite rightly expect their police force to take action in the event of a large gathering, but in situations such as Saturday we need to continually assess risk to the wider public as well as balance that risk accordingly.”

"In England, we are grounded by the principle of ‘policing by consent’, meaning our relationship with the community and the broad support of the public is absolutely intrinsic to our effectiveness.

“It is important to note that by law, social distancing and the wearing of masks outdoors cannot be enforced. With that in mind, we must ensure we are not serving to exacerbate or provoke a situation that could cause injury to members of the public, or our colleagues, as a result of our actions.”