Police broke up a party in Basingstoke last night after the occupants claimed they were “unaware” of the global pandemic because they “never watch the news”.

Officers attended an address in Basingstoke following several reports of a party and a suspected lockdown breach.

READ MORE: Police release more information after breaking up house party

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “The occupants were spoken to and claimed to be unaware of the global pandemic, as they never watch the news!”

Posting to Twitter, the force spokesman added the hashtag “there are no words” to describe the incident. 

It is not known where abouts in Basingstoke the party took place or whether the occupants were fined.

The Gazette has contacted police for more information.

The force’s social media posts about the incident have been widely shared by hundreds of people, attracting dozens of comments. 

Many questioned the force about the action taken against the alleged party hosts. 

Under coronavirus laws police have the power to issue fixed penalty notices of £200 to first-time offenders, and fixed penalty notices of up to £10,000 for holding or being involved in the holding of an unlawful gathering.

One wrote: “So what happened to these people?”

A second asked the force: “So what action did you take?”

While a third wrote: “Ignorance is no excuse for non-compliance.”

And a fourth said: “Please don’t say you believed that excuse.” 

Others were surprised that anyone would be able to make it ten months into a global pandemic without realising. 

A Facebook user wrote: “Maybe a visit to an ICU or mortuary might open their eyes to the current pandemic, just might help with their pure ignorance.”

And someone else wrote: “I haven't had a TV since December 2019 but still know there's a crisis on!”