Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced that individuals attending house parties will be fined a minimum of £800 from next week.

She told the Downing Street press conference: “Next week we will be introducing a new £800 fine for those attending house parties, which will double for each repeat offence to a maximum level of £6,400.

“These fines will apply to those who attend illegal gatherings of more than 15 people in homes.

“The science is clear: such irresponsible behaviour poses a significant threat to public health. Not only to those in attendance but to our wonderful police officers who attend these events to shut them down.”

Martin Hewitt, chairman of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said large gatherings such as house parties are “dangerous, irresponsible, and totally unacceptable”.

He told the Downing Street briefing: “I hope that the likelihood of an increased fine acts as a disincentive for those people who are thinking of attending or organising such events.”

He said officers will not “waste time” trying to reason with people breaking the rules in such a way.

He said: “When we see people that are putting themselves and others in danger, we will not waste time trying to reason with them.

“They are demonstrating no regard for the safety of others, or even for themselves.”

Mr Hewitt said official figures will be released next week showing how many fines have been given out since the start of this latest national lockdown.

He said: “Forces are telling us there has been a significant increase, and that’s reflecting the fact that we’ve had more officers out on dedicated patrols taking targeted action against those small few who are letting everybody down.”

He said since regulations were introduced in late August, and up to January 17, there have been 250 fixed penalty notices issued by forces in England to people who have organised a large gathering.