Police have arrested a man following a group swim at Laxey Bay.

This morning, officers attended the area of Laxey Beach, following a social media post that had been made from a person allegedly organising a swim on the beach.

Police had attended the day before to a similar report and dealt with the matter without incident.

When they arrived they saw a group of around 15 to 20 people, some of which had been in the sea swimming and some who were preparing to swim.

As a result, a man has been arrested and held at Police Headquarters.

Superintendent Stephen Maddocks said: ‘It is very early to make any specific comment about the arrest as this matter is currently under investigation.

‘A group of people were spoken to on Wednesday at Laxey Beach, some of whom were given Covid-19 warnings about gathering together.

‘As a result of what occurred, a man has been arrested on suspicion of breaching the Covid gathering regulations and is currently being dealt with by officers at Police Headquarters.’

Superindent Maddocks added: ‘Policing these regulations is tricky and whilst I understand people’s frustrations, these regulations have been brought in as a result of a worldwide pandemic and we will continue to police them.

‘I would encourage everyone to adhere to the regulations and advice to try and combat the spread of this virus’.

Police stated earlier in the week that they were are of some members of the community who were not adhering to the Covid-19 regulations, intending to attend prearranged gatherings.

They said: ‘This is not acceptable and is unlawful. Despite the fact social distancing and other measures may be adhered to, it is unlawful to gather with other persons from another household except to form a bubble.’