A FUNERAL in Burnley this morning is now the subject of a police operation due to coronavirus breaches, road blockages and damage to council land.

Police say that a significant number of people attended the funeral of a 22-year-old who died in a road traffic collision just before Christmas, which has caused disruption for the local community.

According to officers, the operation is dealing with incidents involving a minority of attendees.

A spokesperson said: "We would like to thank residents for their patience this morning and would reassure them that we have been working hard to ensure the event passes without incident and with the least disruption possible.

"We would also like to thank those who have attended and been respectful of local residents and who have followed Covid-19 regulations.

"We are aware of breaches of regulations, as well as other issues including roads being blocked and motorbikes causing damage to council land, and these will be investigated over the coming days.

"Now that the funeral has taken place, bearing in mind current strict Covid-19 regulations, we would ask that people return home."