Three charged with assault after police enter Aberdeen home over suspected lockdown gathering

One member of the family has protested that they have done nothing wrong.

Chief Constable Iain Livingston has said that at present he is "satisfied about the legitimacy and proportionality" of the response.

Gatherings in homes are banned to ease pressure on the NHS as the number of coronavirus cases continue to rise.

Footage shared online showed a police officer standing inside the hallway of the home as a woman was held back by another man.

READ MORE: No routine vehicle stops as Police Scotland doubles border presence after Sturgeon's Covid enforcement call

The woman can be heard saying: "It is my house, get out of my house. I did not ask you in here."

An officer can be heard to say: "We could have forced the door if you didn't open it."

The woman asked for what offence, and the officer referenced a "suspicion" over the number of people there. The woman added: "I am the woman of this land." And then then told the police officer "get your f***ing body out of my f***ing house."

The officer warned that she could be arrested for a breach of the peace.

A voice can then be heard off camera saying: "Just stop it mum".

A man then walks in front of the woman and stands between her and the police officer.

The woman can be heard pleading with the officer to get off another female, claiming that she has epilepsy.

One voice can be heard to say: "Calm down, or you will be in cuffs, i'm warning you."

Under new coronavirus legislation police officers are legally allowed to enter homes if "that person reasonably suspects that an offence under regulation 5(1) is taking place on the premises".

A member of the family who posted the video said it showed that there was "no-one in my house that shouldn't be".

She added: "Also, my family and I have done absolutely nothing wrong but stand up for ourselves. It's absolutely awful and I am so disappointed in Police Scotland at what they have done to me."

Two women, aged 18 and 48, and a 43-year-old man were charged in connection with assaulting police officers and threatening and abusive behaviour, according to Police Scotland.

A spokesman said: "We received a complaint from a member of the public regarding a breach of coronavirus regulations at a property in Aberdeen, around 11.20pm on Wednesday, 6 January, 2021.

"Officers attended and two women (aged 18 and 48) and a 43-year-old man were charged in connection with assaulting police officers and threatening and abusive behaviour and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal."

Chief Constable Iain Livingston said that some of the officers involved actually had body-worn cameras with them, and they had been activated, adding that "there will be a broader record of the full circumstances of that incident, and that will be part of the due process".

At the Covid daily briefing he said: “I have been briefed on the full circumstances. As things stand at this time, I’m satisfied about the legitimacy and proportionality of the police response.

“Now, the matter is sub judice, but what I can say is that on Wednesday, 6th of January, around 2330 hours, police did respond to certain calls from members of the public about what appeared to be an ongoing house party.

“Officers then attended at the house that had been identified and at that time spoke to the occupants.

“Now what’s come out of those circumstances is that three adults have been charged with crimes of violence and crimes of public disorder.

“I can’t comment further because of that matter, the matter will be reported to the procurator fiscal. The process will take its course.

“However what I can say is that I would urge everybody to exercise caution when you see a partial coverage of a particular incident. Do not read into things that you can’t see, and do not make inferences that are not clearly there. I don’t think it’s fair to anybody involved. "

The incident comes two weeks after the First Minister said that in announcing new Covid-19 curbs including a cross border travel ban and that Police Scotland and transport operators were being asked to consider "how the enforcement of this can be strengthened in the period ahead."

Police Scotland figures show they issued more than 300 fines for Covid breaches during the new year period, latest figures show.

A total of 326 fixed penalties were handed out between 28 December and 3 January, while a further 21 people were arrested over the same period.

Indoor gatherings were prohibited and outside socialising limited under the rules in place across much of the country at the time.

Police Scotland have said formal enforcement would only be used as a last resort. This is similar to its approach during the first lockdown in March.

The force has said it "would not hesitate" to take enforcement action on the small number of people not sticking to the rules.

Covid fines start at £30, doubling to £60 if they are not paid within 28 days. Repeat offenders can face fines of up to £960.

The number of people fined over new year was down slightly on the previous week (341 people were issued with fixed penalty notices between 16 and 27 December, while 18 were arrested).

The majority of Scots were said to have heeded warnings to hold Hogmanay celebrations at home with household members.

But official figures show that - in addition to the arrests and fines - 858 people were asked to disperse by officers on 31 December and 1 January, including seven who were dispersed using "reasonable force".

Another police enforcement action came against a group who gathered at a rented property in Aberfoyle during the festive period.

Police Scotland confirmed that 32 people were charged with culpable and reckless conduct in relation to this incident on on 27 December.

Householders may only enter another home for essential work, to join their extended household or to provide care and support for a vulnerable person.

Police have also been given powers to break up groups of more than 15 people meeting inside homes.

Those caught breaking the rules face arrest or a fine.