Police were called to Slough Cemetery earlier today after more than 100 people turned up for a burial in breach of lockdown regulations.

Now Slough Borough Council has warned that it will not hesitate to call police again in the future if necessary.

Tuesday's incident marked the first time police had been called to the cemetery because of a breach of the Covid regulations since the crisis began.

ALSO VIEW: UK lockdown: What Slough residents can and cannot do under new rules

Lockdown regulations state that only 30 people are allowed to attend funerals and that they must must be socially distanced in household groups.

It was the first time police have been called to the cemetery because of a breach of the covid regulations since the crisis began.

Councillor Pavitar K Mann, lead member for regulatory services which includes the cemetery and crematorium, said: “Part of our role at the cemetery and crematorium is to ensure bereaved residents and their families are treated with sensitivity, dignity and respect and since the beginning of the Covid crisis we have been as flexible as possible so funerals can continue to take place while minimising the risk of infection.

ALSO VIEW: Coronavirus: Prime minister announces new national lockdown

“However with the case rates in Slough and across the country so high, the NHS under more pressure than ever before and mere hours after the Prime Minister placed the country in lockdown this blatant disregard for the regulations, the safety of our staff and most of all the sensitivity and safety of other mourners at the cemetery could not go unchallenged.

“There is no family, no community, no town, no cultural or religious practices where people have not had to make changes, sometimes painful and traumatic sacrifices in the effort to make sure as few people as possible are stricken with this horrible virus.

“Be warned, we will not hesitate to contact the police again – to protect our staff and other residents.”

Slough currently has a case rate of 1001.1 per 100,000 of the population. 85 Slough residents are currently in hospital due to Covid.

The Slough Crematorium Chapel holds a maximum of 20 people for cremation services ensuring social distancing.