RESIDENTS who flouted coronavirus restrictions have been fined hundreds of pounds by police for breaching coronavirus restrictions.

Cheshire Police says that the ‘vast majority of people’ are abiding by the current Covid-19 measures, but has reported a ‘small number of breaches’.

The force has fined three people from different households £200 each after they were caught socialising togethers at a house in Runcorn.

In total, enforcement action has been taken against more than 20 individuals and businesses across the county.

Assistant chief constable Jenny Sims said: “I understand that there are lots of changes for people to take in and I want to reassure residents that we will continue to support them to navigate the measures in place.

“Our officers have been out and about throughout the weekend helping to explain the rules and to ensure people are following them, and this work will continue.

“To support this, we have also introduced a new dedicated team of officers whose role is specifically to respond to incidents involving possible breaches of the coronavirus legislation.

“The vast majority are sticking to the rules and this is really encouraging.

“However, we do need people to continue to take personal responsibility and make sure they are fully aware of the rules that apply to them in the area they live and ensure they stick to them.

“Our officers will continue to adopt the four Es approach to ensure that everyone is sticking to the rules – however, as these examples show, where people are blatantly breaching them we will not hesitate to take action.

“The rules are there for a reason – to keep us all safe – and we all need to play our part to protect our family, our friends, the communities we live in and most importantly the NHS.”

Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane added: “It’s been pleasing to see that the vast majority of residents have adhered to the new legislation, and I hope that this continues.

“It is clear that we all have a very important part to play over the coming weeks and months.

“Covid-19 is very much still out there – we must not let our guard down, and the personal choices that we all make are crucial to protect others.”