Since lockdown began on 4 January, a total of 685 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) have been issued by Cheshire Constabulary, who are urging residents to stick to the rules.

The force follows the approach of engage, explain and encourage but when officers are met with blatant and/or repeat breaches of the regulations, they will enforce immediately.

Officers have dealt with a range of breaches from gatherings, businesses remaining open when required to close and people being out without reasonable excuse.

Over the last weekend alone (Friday 5 to Sunday 7 February) 116 FPNs were issued across the force.

Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: "While the majority of Cheshire residents are abiding to the rules, there are still a minority who are bending and blatantly breaching restrictions which are in place to save lives.

"Officers are risking their own health to protect Cheshire residents from this deadly virus and when they are met by blatant and repeat breaches they will enforce without delay.

"There are many more people in hospital with the virus during this lockdown than at any time during the pandemic. This is why it is so important that people continue to stick to the regulations, we will only get through this health emergency by us all doing the right thing.

"We know that most residents have been incredibly supportive and have assisted our efforts by staying at home and only leaving for the few exemptions outlined by government. For that, I thank you."