Traveller gran with 95 grandkids laid to rest in huge 100-strong funeral protected by £10k police ring of steel
A TRAVELLER gran with a staggering 95 grandchildren had her funeral surrounded by a police ring of steel to stop relatives breaching Covid rules.
More than 100 cops shutdown roads and warned sections of Watford, Herts, were to be treated as ‘no go’ zones during the farewell to Mary Nevin, 72.
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Coronavirus laws limit mourners to just 30 but officers feared hundreds would attend Mary's funeral, including her 16 children, 81 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
From first light this morning, police began taking up positions around St Helen's church with police vehicles parking in the surrounding streets.
Hertfordshire Police spent £10,000 on roadblocks, officers patrolling on foot, dozens of police motorcycles and six riot vans.
But locals claimed the effort was wasted when loved-ones obediently observed the rules as a mark of respect to much-love Mary, who was described as “deeply religious”.
No more than the 30 limit entered St Helen's Catholic Church, in north Watford, while a dozen waited outside.
One neighbour said: "It looked like the police were ready World War III.
“They warned us there might be trouble but in the end it all passed without a problem.
“Everyone is just relieved nothing got out of hand.”
Following the service Mrs Nevin’s coffin was transferred by hearse to a cemetery, in Dunstable, where a glass carriage pulled by four horses with black that led 30 mourners into the
One of the limousines had the word 'MUMMY' written in blue and white flowers.
Hertfordshire Constabulary said it had been liaising with family members, funeral directors, church, local authority and other agencies ahead of the funeral.
Supt Nick Caveney said: “The deceased person has a large family and it is likely that well over the permitted 30-people will attempt to attend the funeral.
“Whilst our sympathies are with the bereaved family at what is understandably a very difficult time, observing lockdown rules is absolutely paramount, to help stop the spread of the virus and save lives.
“I sympathise with anyone who is grieving the loss of a relative at this time and I understand that it is really difficult not being able to mourn in the way you normally would.
"However, we all have to remember that the rules are in place for a reason and the vast majority of people are doing the right thing.”
Last October there was widespread anger that 500 travellers attended a funeral in nearby Dunstable, Beds.
Tory MP Andrew Selous branded the crowds then “unacceptable.”
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Earlier today Peter Taylor, the Mayor of Watford, said that police would ensure there would be "minimal impact on Watford residents".
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"Safety is our number one priority, which is why the police are taking precautions and will be increasing police presence in north Watford before, during and after the funeral," he said.
"Although we sympathise with the bereaved, we have made it very clear that large gatherings will not be tolerated and we expect COVID-19 rules to be followed by everyone.”
