This is the scene that confronted police officers at a house party on Saturday night.

Police were called to the address after neighbours heard loud music.

Inside the house they found 23 people, aged 21 to 64. Each of them was fined £800 for breaking the coronavirus regulations.

One officer’s body-worn video camera captured his conversation with the homeowner, who had organised the party.

“It's my birthday,” he could be heard telling the constable.

The officer replied: “It's your birthday? Oh, okay.

“Do you watch the news at all? So you know what's going on in the world? People like you are the problem, do you understand that?”

Bury Times:

The homeowner speaks to police called to reports of the party Picture: WILTSHIRE POLICE

Yes, he said. “You do get that? You understand about coronavirus and the pandemic and lockdown regulations?”

After clarifying that it was the man’s birthday and he’d organised the party, the officer added: “You're going to get a large fine, my good friend.”

Footage released by Wiltshire Police showed a number of men inside the house – apparently shocked by the police presence.

Bury Times:

The party organiser and other men could be seen in the police footage Picture: WILTSHIRE POLICE

The force said some of those found in the house had travelled from as far afield as Lincolnshire and Gloucestershire.

Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said earlier this week: "It is astounding to me that people still believe it is acceptable to travel across the country to attend a birthday party.

"I have been clear that our policing response must continue to be robust, fair and consistent and this enforcement action is exactly what I would expect my officers to be doing with such a flagrant breach.

"Our NHS services, including our local hospitals here in Swindon and Wiltshire, remain under immense pressure and incidents like this are a slap in the face of those staff working tirelessly around the clock to care for the seriously ill and save lives."

Bury Times:

Partygoers were found around the house and garden Picture: WILTSHIRE POLICE

Steve Maddern, director of public health at Swindon Borough Council, added: “I am incredibly disappointed by the reckless and irresponsible actions of these individuals, especially when so many across Swindon are diligently following the rules to protect themselves and their communities.

“A small few may feel that their actions have no impact on others but there are always consequences to all our actions, be that direct or indirect.”