10:52

Some rural dwellers in England have turned to vigilantism by attempting to block roads, confront cyclists and erect signs in an effort to deter people from travelling to the countryside for exercise during the lockdown, the Guardian has been told.

The National Rural Crime Network has received reports of “small-scale vigilantism” by certain residents growing angry at people driving long distances to the countryside and other beauty spots, for walks or cycle rides. The organisation’s chair said people had even been “aggressively driving at cyclists”.

Their behaviour has caused concern with those who point out people enjoying the countryside to exercise are not necessarily breaking government rules if they maintain physical distancing, with one police leader telling vigilantes not to take the law into their own hands.