Police fined 42 mourners £200 each for breaching lockdown after more than 100 attended a traveller’s funeral wake in north London.
Officers were called by members of the public concerned about the large gathering in Clyde Road, Seven Sisters on Thursday, January 14.
More than 100 people had come together to mourn the loss of a member of the traveller community, police said. A maximum of 30 people are allowed to attend funerals under coronavirus laws.
The Met said some were consuming alcohol and became aggressive towards police when advised they were breaching Covid-19 regulations and needed to disperse.
Fixed penalty notices were issued and one person was arrested on suspicion of an unrelated theft.
The force said a policing plan has been put in place with the local authority to prevent any further incidents.
A dispersal zone has also been authorised in the area. Residents are likely to see an increased police presence on Friday evening and over the weekend.
On Tuesday, a senior police chief said almost 45,000 fines have been issued to people across the UK for breaching Covid-19 laws that bar leaving home without reasonable excuse.
National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman (NPCC) Martin Hewitt also warned that officers will not “waste time” trying to reason with people who have “no regard” for the safety of others.
Acting Met Chief Inspector Steve Connolly said: “Covid-19 legislation does not allow for gatherings of this type to take place.
“Although 30 people are allowed to attend a funeral, related gatherings such as these fall outside of what it legally permitted.
“We know that the community has suffered a loss. We also know that large meetings of people from different households are behind the rapid spread of the virus through London.
"We would urge people to stick to the rules in order to keep everyone safe. There are other ways to stay in contact with family and loved ones that don't involve meeting face to face.
“The virus is out of control across London and it is paramount that we continue to work together by staying at home to protect the NHS and save lives.”
