A WEST Yorkshire group that deals with major civil emergencies has urged people to not host house parties this New Year's Eve.

West Yorkshire Prepared, the region’s Local Resilience Forum, said there are concerns that in increase in private house parties for the big event this evening could lead to increased infection rates in the New Year.

The group has called for people to keep following the guidance.

Tim Kingsman, co-Chair of West Yorkshire Prepared and Assistant Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, said: “This isn’t about stopping anyone’s fun – we know this time of year is traditionally spent surrounded by friends and family - but our concern is the people who attend these parties will then go to shops, out in the community or meet up with other friends and relatives and could, unknowingly, be spreading the virus further.

"Everyone in West Yorkshire has worked extremely hard to bring Covid-19 rates down and, while they still remain high, the region is one of the most improved areas.

"The safest option this year is to celebrate at home with your own household or support bubble.

"We need to keep working together to bring cases down even further and prevent the spread of infection.”

Bradford, and the rest of Yorkshire and The Humber, remained in Tier 3 in Government's latest review of the Covid-19 restrictions yesterday.

The guidelines for places in this category stipulate that individuals must not socialise with anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor setting, private garden, or at most outdoor public venues.

People can see friends and family they do not live with (or have a support bubble with) in groups of six or less in some outdoor public spaces, such as parks, in the countryside, or in playgrounds.

Police can take action against those breaking the rules, including disrupting illegal gatherings and issuing fines if required.