RESIDENTS found having a house party and failing to follow social distancing have been slammed for showing a serous “lack of responsibility”.

Over the weekend four people in Cumbria have been reported for ignoring new government guidelines.

The government said it was vital people socially isolate to combat coronavirus yet over the weekend officers have had to speak to people found having house parties and walking the street for no reason.

A 24-year-old man from Whitehaven was the first person in West Cumbria to be reported for being in a public area without a lawful reason.

The man had repeatedly been seen out in Whitehaven town centre on Saturday with no reason and officers explained the situation to him numerous times which he ignored.

He was spotted again on Sunday and was returned home by officers who then reported him for the offence.

In a separate incident in Carlisle, three people were reported last night for having a house party with friends, again going against the Covid-19 restrictions that are in place.

Working around the clock Cumbria police said they are trying to tackle blatant disregard for the rules in some cases.

Temporary chief superintendent Rob O’Connor said: “Cumbria Police is making every effort to engage with the public in these unprecedented times.

“This weekend we have seen the residents of Cumbria and tourists complying with the restrictions, with the Lake District and town centres being extremely quiet.

“Police will continue to speak to members of the public and provide information around the government legislation, seeking to gain compliance through communication and collaboration with our communities.

“Officers are aware that the overwhelming majority of our communities are abiding by the rules in order to help us all protect the NHS and the most vulnerable people in society. Our plea to the public is to continue to listen to the guidance given to you and we will get through this together.”

MP for Carlisle John Stevenson was shocked at the blatant “lack of responsibility” shown by some of his constituents.

He said it was vitally important all constituents took teh government’s advice seriously and if we were to beat this virus. He said: “It is utterly irresponsible, the message is clear from government, from health authorities and from the police. I just think people should make every effort to comply.

“It is in everybody’s best interest including their own.”

Over the weekend officers have been patrolling the county, checking popular spots where people gather. Officers thanked the majority of the public for staying home and abiding by the rules.