Police release statement after Travellers gather for funeral in Kettering

Police say they will act on any reports of offences related to a Traveller funeral in Kettering today (Monday).

About 150 people gathered outside St Edward's Roman Catholic Church this morning for the funeral of Corby's Joe Rooney, known as 'Gypsy Joe'.

Horses and carriages with Irish flags led mourners through the town on their way to the crematorium for to pay their respects to the 47-year-old, who died in a crash between Stanion and Geddington last month.

But with England in its second lockdown, and current rules stating people can only meet one person outside their household outdoors, dozens of complaints have been made after about 150 mourners gathered in the street with no social distancing.

Police were at the scene to manage traffic but Travellers who had gathered were not dispersed.

A Northamptonshire Police spokesman said: “We are aware of a funeral taking place in Kettering town centre today and police officers are in the vicinity to ensure that there is minimal disruption to the local community.

“We are engaging with mourners to ensure that they are given the opportunity to pay their respects while reminding them of the need to follow the Covid-19 government guidelines.

“Any reports of offences being committed in relation to the funeral or the procession will be acted upon proportionately by Northamptonshire Police.”

The Northants Telegraph asked police why they were unable to break up the gathering, but a spokesman for the force said they were unable to comment further.