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A police chief has said the three week 'grace period' of lockdown is now over and social distancing enforcement will be 'ramped up'.

Northamptonshire Police Chief Constable Nick Adderley has said the force will now strengthen the enforcement of coronavirus regulations.

He said people in the county could now face fines or a criminal record.

According to the police chief, a small number of people had been flouting the regulations - with some officers being "baited" by members of the public.

He said the force may have to resort to more extreme measures such as road blocks and searching shopping trolleys should people continue to break the rules.

The warning comes ahead of Easter bank holiday weekend when hundreds of breaches of lockdown rules are expected.

The picture in Northampton is one familiar to those across the UK, who may have witnessed crowds of people in parks over the weekend despite social distancing rules.

Mr Adderley's intervention comes after one of his officers was spat and coughed at, forcing him to isolate away from his ill mother.

He wrote on Twitter: "So a reality check: One of my officers was spat at and coughed over last night by a male claiming to have Covid-19.

"The officer is a primary carer for his mother who has cancer. He will now need to self isolate and will no longer be able to care for his mum.

"Full welfare support put in place and we will support his mum where we can. We are working with the CPS to expedite such cases and to ensure that the maximum penalties and sanctions are imposed.

(Image: Bath Chronicle)

"Disgusting, demeaning and potentially life threatening assault on our colleague."

Meanwhile, Lancashire Police said Callum Heaton, 23, had been jailed for 12 months for spitting at two officers while claiming he was infected with the virus.

Heaton, who was arrested for being drunk and disorderly in Burnley on Saturday, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault on an emergency worker and one of criminal damage at Burnley Magistrates' Court on Monday.

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said: "It is totally unacceptable that police and other front line workers who are doing their best to keep our communities safe are treated like this."

(Image: PA)

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Wales reported pharmacists were also facing abusive and aggressive behaviour.

Director of the society Elen Jones said: "I have been shocked to hear of pharmacy teams being verbally abused and even spat at.

"I have also heard of fights starting outside pharmacy premises. This is totally unacceptable behaviour.

"Community pharmacists and their teams are doing everything they possibly can to help in very difficult circumstances.

"They are under significant pressure and they need the help of the public so they can continue to provide vital healthcare support."

Thousands of people have turned up for secret raves in remote forestry in West Wales over recent years but cops say it will "cost lives" if it happens this Easter weekend.

Superintendent Jon Cummins, Head of Specialist Operations: "It is absolutely crucial that these types of gatherings do not take place.

"Illegal gatherings such as raves would be utterly irresponsible and without doubt put lives at risk."

Police are monitoring social media for information about raves being planned in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire."