People in Sheffield who ignore coronavirus lockdown could be arrested, police warn

People in Sheffield who continue to flout coronavirus lockdown rules will be breaking the law and could be arrested by police.
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People who continue to flout coronavirus lockdown rules will be breaking the law and could be arrested by police.

Those who ignore tougher restrictions on movement could be hit with a £60 fine initially and another for £120 for a second offence, the Home Office warned.

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Officers in England were given the power to enforce rules on staying at home and avoiding non-essential travel as of 1pm on Thursday.

Police operation around Arbourthorne after recent shootings.Police operation around Arbourthorne after recent shootings.
Police operation around Arbourthorne after recent shootings.

They can order members of the public to go home, leave an area, have the power to disperse a group, using "reasonable force, if necessary".

Police can also take steps to make sure parents are stopping their children from breaking the rules.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the powers were designed to "protect the public and keep people safe".

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According to the guidance, the cost of initial fixed penalty notices will be cut to £30 if paid within 14 days and those who do not pay could be taken to court and risk facing costs for unlimited fines.

Refusing to provide a name and address to avoid being given a fine is an arrestable offence.

The Home Office said: "If an individual continues to refuse to comply, they will be acting unlawfully, and the police may arrest them where deemed proportionate and necessary.

"However, in the first instance, the police will always apply their common sense and discretion."

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Known as the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020, similar rules will be in place across Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The Regulations state they are made "in response to the serious and imminent threat to public health" posed by Covid-19 and the Government considers the "restrictions and requirements imposed by these Regulations are proportionate to what they seek to achieve."

The rules will be in place for an emergency period which must be reviewed at least once every 21 days, starting on April 16.

The news came as Derbyshire Police said people continued to drive to the Peak District for walks despite warnings to stay at home.

In a series of tweets, the force published drone footage of visitors and cars parked. It said people had moved a make-shift roadblock to one side to enter the car park.