The coronavirus lockdown is to continue as a surge in cases is expected

The PSNI has launched an online portal where people can report breaches of social distancing rules after it received more than 900 complaints that the regulations were not being followed.

In recent days, complaints have been made that some people were continuing to travel to holiday homes for the Easter break, in violation of guidelines.

Police are also investigating after a large crowd of mourners at the funeral of former Sinn Fein councillor Francie McNally "blatantly ignored" social distancing rules.

Officers are preparing a file to submit to prosecutors after pictures emerged of black-gloved republicans marching alongside a horse and carriage carrying Mr McNally's coffin to the graveyard in Coagh, Co Tyrone.

READ MORE: Catholic primate urges 'community, not police' to keep funerals within social distancing guidelines

A total of 906 complaints have been made over the last two weeks.

Police have issued around 100 warnings across Northern Ireland to people who are flouting coronavirus restrictions.

The PSNI has the power to issue £60 penalty notices for people who do not stick to social distancing rules.

However, no penalty notices have been issued, police said.

The new service allows people to directly report if they spot:

A person not sticking to social distancing rules

A gathering of people in breach of social distancing rules

A person travelling for non-essential purposes

A bar or licensed premises remaining open

The coronavirus lockdown is to continue as a surge in cases is expected

Checkpoints have been set up over the last few days to ensure people are not making unncessary journeys.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said people need to be responsible when reporting potential breaches.

“I am encouraging people to carefully consider the circumstances before making a report, but I can assure the public that all reports will be considered by our staff coordinating the operational policing response to Covid-19," he said.

"Every day there are dedicated officers to ensuring we engage, explain, encourage and, if necessary, enforce the regulations."

Mr Todd said extra officers will be deployed over the weekend to enforce the restrictions.

“My message to everyone is that we all have a personal responsibility to follow the regulations and to do everything we can to stop the spread of Covid-19, protect the health service and save lives," he said.

"We also have an opportunity to follow the approach of our officers, engage those in your household, explain the importance of the restrictions and encourage everyone to follow them.

“We all have a part to play and make a difference.”

The portal can be accessed at https://www.psni.police.uk/covid19/