Hertfordshire Constabulary says it will take enforcement action "if required" against anyone flouting the lockdown rules this Easter bank holiday weekend.

The county's police force is urging people to listen to Government instructions to stay home ahead of the weekend. 

People should only leave their home to shop for essential items, get exercise once a day and travel for essential work.

Government guidance also says that those who do go out should only do so with members of their household and must stay two metres (6ft) away from other people at all times.

This weekend police will be carrying out additional patrols in parks and recreation grounds across the county to ensure people are following the guidelines.

Assistant Chief Constable Nathan Briant, who is leading the Constabulary’s response to Covid-19, said: “We fully appreciate that the long Easter weekend is usually a time for families and friends to get together, but it is vital that people continue to respect the government’s social distancing guidelines at this time.

"As a community, we are all suffering the hardship of staying at home and not being able to meet friends and family, but only by continuing our efforts can we hope to save lives and hasten the removal of the restrictions.

“Our officers will be on patrol in parks and open spaces around the county this weekend, checking that everyone is enjoying the bank holiday safely and responsibly. Their role there is primarily public safety, as we try to reduce the opportunities for the virus to spread.

"Officers will always seek to encourage compliance of the regulations, but where necessary for the benefit of the wider public, we will take enforcement action if required. Together, as a community, we can beat this.

“We really appreciate your co-operation and would like to thank everyone for their support so far.”

Watford Borough Council closed Cassiobury Park car park last Saturday after people chose to flout government Covid-19 guidelines and 'picnic in the sun'.

Watford Police said it cleared hundreds of people from the park who were not out for essential exercise or were meeting with people outside of their household.

Three Rivers District Council also closed the car park of Rickmansworth Aquadrome last Saturday after people flouted rules to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The council has since closed off the car park at Leavesden Country Park as well.

Watford Police also said fines were issued at the weekend to those ignoring the coronavirus lockdown guidance.

Police said it issued the fines to people "in blatant disregard" of the rules.