John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales said it was not seeking extra powers but would take forward any concerns by officers.

“Our stance is very clear. If our members are having any difficulty with any aspect of the Covid-19 policing legislation, we will look to take this further during our regular discussions with the Home Office, NPCC and other organisations,” he said.

Under current legislation, police can only enter without a warrant when in close pursuit of someone they believe has committed, or attempted to commit, a serious crime, to sort out a disturbance, there are cries for help, to enforce an arrest warrant or if invited in freely by the occupant.

House parties have been a major source of tip-offs to police by neighbours, with Greater Manchester police revealing they were called to 494 house parties in four days over the first week of the lockdown.

However, the demand is expected to be rejected by the Home Secretary, who last week warned against “heavy-handed” policing as she rebuked a police chief who suggested officers could in future introduce road blocks and check shoppers’ trolleys and baskets for “non-essential” products.

“It would be a really big step for policing in this country that isn't needed at this point,” said a Home Office source. “Also if there are people at parties or BBQs the police can issue the fixed penalty notice as they travel to or from the party.”

The source also pointed to the low number of fines so far which suggested that most people were complying with the rules.

The laws for coronavirus give police powers to issue fines of £60 for breaching rules including no gatherings of more than two people and only leaving home for activities such as exercise, buying essential foods and work where it cannot be done at home.

The lockdown is expected to be extended on Thursday by the Government for at least another three weeks but without any additional restrictions such as a ban on exercise - as mooted last week by Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, or further curbs on leaving home.