Police claim Park breast fine in Hove is Fake

Police have advised are a message is circulating in local WhatsApp and social media groups reporting that police officers threatened to issue a fine to a woman breastfeeding in a park in Hove.

We have reviewed the body worn footage of the officers in attendance and can state unequivocally that this is untrue. At no point was the fact she was breastfeeding instrumental in the officers’ request for her to leave.

The woman and one other were having a picnic in the park when officers initially engaged with her asking her to adhere to the national guidance of staying at home to protect the NHS and prevent the spread of coronavirus.

They were approached a second time by officers, more than 10 minutes later, and again encouraged to adhere to Government advice and go home. On their own volition, the pair then left the park.