Over half of those arrested under the Emergency Powers Act spent more than 12 hours in police custody.

Home Affairs Minister Graham Cregeen released the figures in answer to a written question from Kate Costain (Lib Vannin, Douglas South).

In total 96 people were arrested for breaching the emergency regulations, of whom 51 spent more than 12 hours in police custody. One person spent 23 hours and 41 minutes at police headquarters.

These arrests include cases where people have been arrested for other offences, where alleged breaches of the emergency powers have been secondary or subsidiary offences.

Mr Cregeen revealed the maximum number of people the police can detain at one time is 20 and that a full health and safety risk assessment of the custody suite was conducted to take account of the virus.

He added: ’Anyone working in, visiting, or being detained in the custody suite is provided with a face mask and given directions on how and when to use it. Other suitable PPE, such as gloves, aprons, face shields, goggles and disposable suits are also available for use and have been issued when necessary.

’The custody suite comprises two separate cell corridors. One corridor is set aside for infected or potentially infected detainees. The custody suite was cleaned to a very high standard before the pandemic, but an enhanced cleaning regime has been created and implemented.’

Subject to the Police Powers and Procedures Act 1998, a person shall not be kept in police detention for more than 24 hours without being charged.

A person who at the expiry of 24 hours after the relevant time is in police detention and has not been charged must be released at that time either on bail or without bail.