A spokesman thanked people for staying home, which helps to slow the spread of Covid-19 and support the capacity of the NHS to save lives.

He said: “Officers on patrol across the county on Good Friday (April 10) reported fewer people out and about, particularly in popular areas such as seafronts, parks and beauty spots.

“A small minority of people continue to flout the restrictions, and Sussex Police has responded to a number of reports of groups gathering across the county.

Sussex Police

“Dispersal orders have been issued in Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings and Seaford so far during the lockdown period, in a bid to prevent people from engaging in anti-social behaviour in contrast to the Government guidance, and officers have also issued firm words of advice after a group travelled from Hemel Hempstead to Beachy Head as they heard the view was nice.”

Police were pleased organisers did not go ahead with the Uckfield beer race, he added.

Superintendent Graham Barnett said: “We appreciate the lockdown measures are difficult for everyone - especially at a time when many of us would normally be setting off on holidays or gathering with friends and family - but we are very pleased to see the vast majority of people taking this seriously and listening to the Government guidance to stay at home.

“However, we urge people to continue following the guidance, which includes not meeting up with other people from outside your household to have barbecues or house parties, even if social distancing is observed.”

But a small minority of people think they’re above the law and ‘continue to flout the restrictions’, he added.

Superintendent Barnett said: “A number of these also think it is acceptable to cough and spit at our officers while they are doing their best to play their part in saving lives. This will absolutely not be tolerated and we will take appropriate action against anyone who continues to put lives at risk.

“We will be patrolling our rural and urban communities over the Easter weekend, as well as travel networks across the county. We will continue our approach of engaging with the public we see out and about, explaining why it is important to follow the government guidance. We will encourage people to do the right thing and stay home but if they don’t follow these rules, we will use whatever enforcement is necessary.”

He praised frontline services for doing an incredible job slowing the spread of a ‘terrible virus’, but Superintendent Barnett said everyone must play their part and help by staying home and not putting themselves or others at risk.

He said: “The message is clear - stay home, to protect the NHS and save lives.

“We appreciate the respect and patience shown by the vast majority of people in our communities, but it is absolutely critical that we keep it up.

“For this to work, everybody needs to do their bit.”

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