Woman 'stopped by police' for travelling 2 miles to queue for coffee with friend

A woman claims she was handcuffed by police for travelling two miles to queue for a coffee with a friend and her son.

The woman, who is seen in a clip surrounded by officers, says she travelled within London to meet a friend while socially distancing and wearing a mask.

A clip of the incident shows the woman arguing why her actions were "reasonable" as police appear to explain lockdown rules to her.

She tells officers she lives in Battersea, south west London, and had joined a friend and her son for a socially distanced walk.

She explains: "It's not a crime to stand in a street.

"I'm social distancing - when I go in the shop, I had a mask.

"We've come from two miles away - two miles away."

However an officer responds saying: "We've explained it to you - it's not legal to come from Battersea." - before the woman continues: "Two miles away. It's just the other side of the river."

The woman tells cops: "Why don't you go and arrest people for knife crime?"

The woman later posted the footage on Twitter username @Floss321, and claimed she'd been handcuffed during the row.

She said: ""Just been cuffed and had my arm twisted up my back for queuing outside trying to buy a coffee with my BF and her 13-year-old son."

Her pal then said: "It's completely unreasonable."

According to the Government's guidelines, people must stay in their local area unless for an essential reason, like work. However, officials aren't specific on what counts as 'local'.

The restrictions around meeting others outside are set to change during different stages of the government's roadmap which was laid out earlier this week.

From March 8 people will be allowed to meet with one other person outside for recreation such as sitting on a bench and having a coffee.

Under the next stage of the roadmap, which will be introduced no earlier than March 29, the Rule of Six is expected to return for outdoor gatherings.

This means up to six people - or two households of more than six people - will be allowed to meet up in outdoor spaces like parks and also private gardens.

The sunny weekend saw a worrying rise in the number of people heading to the coast or countryside.

Community Policing Superintendent Graeme Robson said: “This weekend, due to the good weather, we have seen a large increase in people travelling to the Formby beach area, some of whom had travelled a significant distance to get there.

“This is totally unacceptable and shows a complete disregard for the government guidance, which is in place to protect not only ourselves but others around us.

"To flagrantly flout the rules in this way is not only reckless and irresponsible, but can result in a substantial fine."

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of a video circulating on social media which captures part of officers’ interaction with members of the public.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the events and outcome.

While the Government’s roadmap contains positive news, the Met's message is clear - now is not the time for complacency."Throughout the city, Londoners must continue to stick to the rules which are fundamentally there to save lives.

"That means you must stay at home wherever possible.

"You should not be meeting with other households unless a support bubble is in place or you are meeting one other person for exercise.

"Officers across London will continue to take action against rule breakers, adopting the 'Four Es' process of engaging, explaining, encouraging and then enforcing."Follow the Official Rokna NEWS Telegram Channel For More and fresh NEWS.

Mirror