POLICE have hit out over a rising number of house parties being staged by ‘covidiots’ in Renfrewshire.

Officers are increasingly being called to lockdown gatherings in the local area, despite a recent surge in coronavirus cases.

The latest incident took place in Johnstone on Saturday, when nine people were found inside a flat, in breach of Covid regulations.

Police were called to McLaurin Crescent at around 4pm after receiving reports about a disturbance.

Each of the nine revellers was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice.

Officers also arrested a man for an alleged breach of the peace and resisting arrest.

After being taken into custody, he was reportedly found to be in possession of five bags of white powder, which have been sent for analysis.

Inspector Allan O’Hare, head of community policing for Renfrewshire, said the health of his officers is being put at risk every time they are called to a lockdown party.

He told The Gazette: “I fully recognise the impact these restrictions have on people’s lives. However, it is clear that the significant sacrifices being made by people across Renfrewshire, which are vital to help suppress the spread of coronavirus, are being hampered by a small minority who continue to flout the current regulations.

“Our approach throughout the pandemic has not changed. Officers will continue to support people to follow the regulations and encourage them to take personal responsibility.

“People should not leave their homes unless for essential purposes. The best way to stay safe is to stay at home with your family.

“Officers and staff have worked exceptionally hard throughout the pandemic to keep people safe and they should not be putting their health and that of their families at risk by having to attending gatherings of people who do not care whose life they are endangering.”

Police are staging extra patrols across Renfrewshire to crack down on illegal gatherings.

Insp O’Hare added: “Where officers encounter wilful breaches like the one at the weekend, which sadly we are attending more regularly now, they will act decisively to enforce the law.

“The vast majority of people have stepped up to take responsibility and I’m grateful to the communities of Renfrewshire for their determination and collective effort to tackle this virus but we must not waver in our support for each other as we all work together to try to return to normality as soon as possible.”

Anyone who flouts the ban on indoor gatherings during lockdown can expect to receive a ‘Covid ticket’ that will cost them £60.

The fine rises to £120 for a second ticket, £240 for a third and £480 for a fourth. Depending on the circumstances, the offender could also face a charge of culpable and reckless conduct.