A group of up to 30 men ran from officers policing the coronavirus lockdown after they were caught playing cricket in a London park.

The Metropolitan Police said the group was found flouting Covid-19 restrictions at Chandos Recreation Ground, in Edgware, on Tuesday.

A video posted online shows the men fleeing from officers. Some pick up items of clothing from the grass as they run away, while others appear to leave their belongings behind.

Kensal Green police said officers had been tasked with dealing with "people not following Government rules" and branded the behaviour of the group "ridiculous" on Twitter.

A message said: "20-30 males playing cricket and running away after seeing police."

Officers from @MPSKensalGreen were tasked to deal with people not following government rules. What we found in Chandos Recreation Ground NW9 is ridiculous!! 20-30 males playing cricket and running away after seeing police @MPSBrent #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/pVpUU3WXLV — Kensal Green Police (@MPSKensalGreen) April 7, 2020

Another post on Wednesday read: "We still cannot believe what we found in the park yesterday... These people clearly don't care about the NHS, but will be the first to complain about our great NHS staff when they end up in hospital with coronavirus."

Police have been given new powers to break up gatherings and fine people breaching restriction of movement rules under the Health Protection Regulations 2020.

The Coronavirus Act allows officers to remove or detain a "suspected infectious person" for screening and assessment with "reasonable force" if necessary.

The government lockdown only allows people out for a select number of reasons.

They are to shop for essential items or medical needs, for one hour's exercise, or to go to work.

If you are out exercising or visiting a park, you must only be out with members of your household and stay two metres away from those outside your household.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said sunbathing is not an excuse to go out and picnicking is not allowed either.