Coronavirus: Policing approach remains to use enforcement as last resort

“The rules to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus are there to save lives and protect the NHS.

“The overwhelming majority of people are abiding by these rules and police chiefs are not asking for any further restrictions. Our approach across the country remains the same - to engage with people, explain the rules, encourage them to go home and finally, if we have to, we will use enforcement.

“It is right that police officers give fines to those who are letting us all down by continuing to ignore the rules. This is a national effort and we must all work together to get through this.”