Coronavirus: Man caught camping had 'flown in from Berlin' Published duration 22 April Related Topics Coronavirus pandemic

image copyright Staffordshire Police image caption The couple were found by officers in Leek

A man found camping in the Staffordshire Moorlands had recently flown into the country from Berlin, police said.

He and his partner were discovered by officers patrolling in Leek, and said they were heading to the Peak District.

They told police they had pitched up as a friend with whom they hoped to stay in Harrogate had coronavirus symptoms.

Police said he had flown in from Germany before heading to the Moorlands via Harrogate and Wigan where he lives.

Ch Insp Mark Thorley said it was "not the time" for unnecessary travel to rural communities and beauty spots.

The force said it was not the first incident of its kind after officers came across visitors from London and Nottinghamshire last week.

Ch Insp Thorley added: "Our beauty spots and rural areas will be here when this is over - let's make sure we stick together and do what is necessary so we can get back to normal as soon as possible."