Coronavirus: Newcastle police find three children at illegal street race

Police will issue mass fines after a huge gathering of illegal street racers was discovered in NSW, despite strict warnings from authorities.

NSW police broke up a street race yesterday that had attracted more than 40 cars and were “appalled” to find three children had been brought along.

One child was aged nine years and the other two were 18-months-old.

Thousands of dollars worth of fines will be issued to the racers, 19 of whom were caught just west of Newcastle, north of Sydney, in what police believe to be an illegal street-racing meet.

It comes as non-essential gatherings of more than two people have been banned across the country to stop the spread of COVID-19.

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Cars were found at an illegal street race meet just outside of Newcastle yesterday.

Drivers attempted to leave the scene when police arrived.

Nineteen vehicles were stopped and the rest escaped into the surrounding bushland.

Police allege the group had gathered for the purpose of street racing and burnouts.

These 19 people will now be issued with PINs (Penalty Infringement Notices) for breaching the Public Health Order.

The fines are likely to be $1000 each.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said this was exactly the kind of incident his officers had been working to prevent.

“Gatherings of virtually any kind are breaching the current Public Health Order but gathering to conduct street racing and burnouts in a park is illegal, irresponsible and beyond my understanding,” Mr Corboy said in a statement.

“I am appalled at the fact that up to 40 drivers were willing to put themselves and others at risk on so many levels.

“And I am even more appalled by the fact three children – who have no choice in the matter – were also exposed to risk; my officers will be alerting the relevant authorities to the actions of their parents and caregivers.”