Coronavirus: Police warning to residents who flout new restrictions

Officers can now issue a fixed penalty notice with a £30 fine for those who hang around outside in gatherings.

There were reports this morning (Tuesday) of too many people being close together in the town centre despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson last night urging people to stay at home and ensure they are two metres away from others if they make essential trips for food shopping or medical appointments.

And Leicestershire Police Chief Constable Simon Cole reiterated the message of maintaining social distancing when he spoke for the first time today about new powers to fine those who don’t observe the guidelines or who congregate in groups of more than two.

He said: “Our officers will have the power to disperse groups in order to assist with social distancing.

“But don’t be alarmed.

“These are powers that have been available to us for some time and are commonplace, particularly at weekends when we’re policing the night-time economy.

“The process is exactly the same – the only thing that’s changed is the circumstances in which they can be used.

“If you don’t co-operate, you do run the risk of a fine.

“But it’s easily avoidable.

“Please, co-operate with us, our partner agencies and with one another and we will get through this together.”

The chief constable emphasised the need for people to observe the restrictions on movement announced last night by the Prime Minister.

He urged residents to only leave home for essential shopping, any medical needs and travelling to and from work if absolutely necessary.

People should only leave to undertake one form of exercise a day and not congregate in groups of more than two people.

Mr Cole said police officers would monitor activities but base their response on talking to people in the first instance.

He added: “This is an unprecedented time for everyone across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

“The challenge we’re facing is like no other in our 180-year history.

“Without doubt, this is one of the most unusual things I have had to deal with as a police officer, and the same goes for the rest of my team.

“We are continuing to work flat out – both to deal with incidents relating to the Coronavirus and everyday policing issues.

“However this is a challenge we, as a united community, can overcome.”

Pc Barlow, of Melton Police, Tweeted this morning: “I’m noticing quite a few people ‘milling around’ Melton centre and the market.

“Please, get your necessities by all means, but then go HOME.”

Pc Barlow later posted that the number of people out and about had ‘significantly dropped’ from what it was earlier.

Andrea Wallbanks contacted us by Facebook after visiting Melton town centre this morning and she said: “I could not believe how busy it was in town this morning.

“People still clearly are not listening to what has been said!”