A MAN congregating with a group of people in Chester city centre swore at a PCSO and refused to go home despite coronavirus lockdown rules.

The 21-year-old male, who was on Frodsham Street yesterday afternoon (April 5), then fled the scene on foot with the PCSO in hot pursuit.

He was eventually caught by the PCSO and then arrested by officers for a public order offence. He has been issued with a £60 fixed penalty notice.

Anyone found to be flouting public health guidance on social distancing can be punished with a fine as part of measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

By failing to pay, you could be subject to criminal proceedings and a conviction.

In a statement Cheshire Constabulary said: "Shortly before 4.30pm on Sunday, April 5, a PCSO was patrolling Chester city centre providing visibility and reassurance for the local community when he encountered a group of four people in Frodsham Street.

"After explaining the new guidance and encouraging that group to make their way home to protect the NHS and save lives, one of the group subjected the PCSO to abusive language.

"He was subsequently arrested for a public order offence with assistance of colleagues.

"The 21-year-old man from Chester has since been given a fixed penalty notice for the public order offence."

In a post on social media, Cheshire Constabulary's Chester City Police account said: "This afternoon 1 male has been arrested for public order after refusing to leave a given area, swearing at a PCSO and then making off.

"The male was arrested several minutes later after PCSO Jones ran after him."