Police fine seven people after Bank Holiday sports car meet at Cheddar Gorge

Eyewitnesses described the actions of the group as "selfish" and "unacceptable".

Police officers have fined seven people after a large car meet took place at Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, reportedly involving more than 200 vehicles.

It took place on Sunday 24 May in an apparent breach of lockdown rules.

Avon and Somerset Police gave out seven penalty notices for driving offences and warned 15 people about the current guidelines.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing between 200 and 300 sports cars at the popular beauty spot.

Sergeant Joe Piscina, from Avon and Somerset Police, said officers will be looking at the footage captured by members of the public and identifying those who were involved in the alleged rule breach.

The roads leading to Cheddar Gorge were closed at the start of lockdown to reduce the numbers visiting. Credit: ITV West Country

Officers were patrolling Cheddar Gorge over the Bank Holiday weekend and said a large number of people travelled there to exercise.

Sergeant Piscina said, "The overwhelming majority of people were receptive to what they were told. However, 15 warnings were issued to people contravening the requirements.

"There were also occasions when drivers arrived at the gorge not for exercising and they were spoken to and many agreed to move on."

In recent weeks since the start of the coronavirus lockdown roads leading to the area were closed to avoid an influx of visitors.

Since the restrictions have been eased, the roads have reopened.