Police heading to Rugby town centre after reports of groups of people ignoring Covid-19 advice

Police officers from Rugby are heading to the town centre after reports of people gathering in groups of more than two - an act which breaches social distancing measures.

Rugby Police made the announcement on social media this afternoon, March 24.

A spokesperson said: "The government has been clear that everyone has their part to play regarding social distancing.

"We can't stress enough that this is a national health emergency."

The new rules, announced by prime minister Boris Johnson last night, prohibit the gathering of groups of more than two people in public.

The new 'lockdown' measures came after the government repeatedly warned that if some members the public continued to ignore social distancing advice tougher measures would be brought in.

Mr Johnson last night said the police would have the power to enforce the new rules with fines and dispersal powers.

Health secretary Matt Hancock previously branded those ignoring social distancing guidelines as 'selfish', adding that the rules have been put in place to save lives and protect the NHS.

And Rugby MP Mark Pawsey has urged Rugbeians to follow the advice.