Police catch group from Leeds travelling to take photo 'next to a specific pylon'

North Yorkshire Police (NYP) spotted the five people in Lumby, on the outskirts of Leeds, on the weekend of May 2 and 3.

The group told police that they had travelled there to be photographed near a particular electricity pylon.

Officers from NYP issued 61 fines over the weekend, with Malham proving to be a ‘hot-spot’ for out-of-area day-trippers.

A group of man had ravelled to the area from Halifax, Bradford and Southend-on-Sea to have a barbecue.

Police found them two lit kettle bowl barbecues, bags of charcoal and plenty of food and drink to keep them going.

Fines were also issued to a family from Sheffield who decided to take a trip to the Yorkshire coast but broke down on the A64, four people from London visiting Dibbles Bridge and a group of of off-road bikers from West Yorkshire who went to ride their bikes in Selby.

Officers from the Roads Policing Group also responded to a crash near Pateley Bridge which involved a group from Essex.

The occupants suffered minor injuries.

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Walker said: "Yet again we’ve seen a number of people ignoring both Government advice and the multiple requests we have made stay away from North Yorkshire.

"Sadly there seems to be a minority of people who think that they are immune to the COVID-19 virus and who choose to not only endanger themselves, but also endanger others through their irresponsible behaviour.

"By travelling long distances and meeting up with friends you expose yourself and others to the virus, put strain on the emergency services who are working hard to keep as many people as possible safe and put the communities you visit at risk – by potentially bringing the virus into the area with you.

“With a bank holiday approaching, we are already preparing for next weekend and rather frustratingly, based on our experience, we expect it to be a very busy weekend.

"Sadly, there will be no extended break or celebrations for our officers, who will be out in force.

"We will be carrying out our patrols and maintaining our commitment to keeping the public as safe as we possibly can and continuing to protect the NHS from the risk of a second wave of this deadly virus.

"As ever, my advice would be to stay safe at home, exercise locally and not to make any unnecessary journeys. It’s not a new message, its one we all know – but nevertheless it’s a message that we will be continuing to drive home throughout the week."

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