Knoll House Covid-19 party rental property closed by police

Selfish lockdown-flouting revellers were renting Knoll House, in Bury Road, Sewardstonebury, to host parties despite the country being told to stay at home during the third national lockdown.

Essex Police have secured a closure order against the property, meaning it can no longer be rented out, following four parties in under two months.

Most recently, police fined 18 people a total of nearly £15,000 who gathered for a party in clear breach of coronavirus regulations on Saturday, January 30.

The force had already dispersed illegal gatherings at the property three times, on New Year’s Eve – when 100 people gathered for a rave – and twice earlier in January.

Knoll House, Bury Road, Sewardstonebury, has been closed by Essex Police and can no longer be lived in or rented. Photo: Essex Police

Essex Police secured the court closure order by arguing it was necessary to prevent coronavirus breaches and disorder continuing. The order means no one can go into the property or live at it.

Chief Inspector Antony Alcock, district commander for Brentwood and Epping Forest, said: “We first became aware of Knoll House because a member of the public, and other people passing by, reported that there was an unlicensed music event taking place [on New Year’s Eve].

“On attendance we found about 100 people present, there was evidence of alcohol use, music equipment and drug abuse. As a result, we issued fines and dispersed the people there.

“Two further, smaller, events took place in January then, on 30 January, there was an event similar in size to that on New Year’s Eve.

Police found evidence of drinking and drug taking inside the premises. Photo: Essex Police

“When we have been there, we have issued fines to those present and also have access to £10,000 fines for the organiser involved.

“We have arrested one person for fraud in connection a range of music events which have taken place.

“It has taken a significant amount of work from our local community policing team in order for us to gain these powers, which means people cannot go to the property, they cannot reside at it and certainly cannot engage in any further unlicensed music events.

“I am really grateful to people who have reported these events so far. It is a difficult time for everybody and made more difficult by the people who are choosing to ignore the restrictions.”

“People who are adhering to the restrictions, please tell Essex Police if you witness breaches. We will respond and will take matters seriously and will issue fines where there are clear and blatant breaches.”