'Get a grip on your kids or there will be more deaths': Yorkshire police federation's plea to parents

Parents in Yorkshire have been given a stark warning to 'get a grip' on their kids or risk having more deaths.
By Alex Evans
Published 23rd Mar 2020, 13:31 BST
Updated 23rd Mar 2020, 13:47 BST

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The warning comes after North Yorkshire Police said 'we will arrest your kids' following reports of groups of youths gathering and committing antisocial behaviour over the weekend.

Youths were ignoring social distancing advice and gathering in groups of 30-40 while committing antisocial behaviour.

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It prompted the force to say: "We know these are difficult times but we must protect the elderly and vulnerable in our community. If the government's advice is not followed, these measures will last longer. The ASB caused last night will not be tolerated and NPT will arrest your kids if offences are committed."

The chairman of the Federation has called on parents to 'get a grip' of their kidsThe chairman of the Federation has called on parents to 'get a grip' of their kids
The chairman of the Federation has called on parents to 'get a grip' of their kids

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As talk of a stricter lockdown rumbles on, the chairman of the West Yorkshire Police Federation Brian Booth said: “Parents, get a grip on your kids.

“Kids want to be out. They want to be meeting up with their friends. They’ve never known anything like this before. but it has to be parents getting a grip on their kids and telling them the dangers.

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"If kids go out, they are going to catch it, they are going to spread it. There are going to be kids who didn’t realise they had underlying health conditions at greater risk. There will be fatalities because of this kind of behaviour.”

What is the current coronavirus advice?

On Saturday pubs, clubs and bars were closed to help prevent large gatherings and reduce the risk of the virus spreading, as far as possible.Anyone with a cough or any symptoms is being asked to self-isolate, while the advice to everyone is to minimise social contact as much as possible, and to only travel if absolutely essential.

Workers have been told to work from home if they can and to avoid going out in public other than for exercise, while still maintaining at least three metres' distance to others.

Everyone should also be washing their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water.

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Those in vulnerable groups, such as those who need a flu jab or are over 70, are being told to be extra cautious and also isolate themselves.

How long will over 70s have to reduce social contact? Latest advice for elderly during coronavirus pandemic