'We will fine and arrest': West Mercia Police boss issues warning to those flouting lockdown rules
Those ignoring lockdown rules will be fined or arrested if necessary with vehicle checks also taking place, one of the region's top police officers has warned.
West Mercia Police's Chief Superintendent Tom Harding said most businesses and individuals were respecting new lockdown rules, but that a minority that were ignoring them had been advised and dispersed.
He said random road checks will also be carried out across the patch as a way of ensuring journeys are necessary.
His comments came ahead of confirmation that police have been given the power to fine first-time offenders £60 and second-time offenders £120.
Chief Superintendent Harding said: "There is no doubt we are entering a critical phase to our policing response to COVID-19 and we are currently working to focus our resources towards our frontline response.
