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People are calling Gloucestershire police, wanting to know how they can get around the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

So said Martin Surl, the county’s police and crime commissioner. He said the public had also called his office about this too and he was “concerned” at the number of inquiries.

In a press release issued last night about how volunteer police officers in Gloucestershire will soon be eligible for payment if they help out during the crisis, he said: “I am concerned by the number of enquiries to both my office and the constabulary from people wanting to know how they can get round the very clear restrictions set by the Government.

“My plea to the public is not to ask the police for loopholes that will allow you to take an extra walk or drive in the car, but try and change the way you are living in order to comply with the guidelines.

"It is for the good of us all and, hopefully, will only be temporary.

“These are testing times for all of us, but with limited resources I know Gloucestershire Constabulary is working flat-out to ensure the county is kept safe.

"So, I urge the public to adhere to the rules, stay home and help the police to protect us and the NHS.”

New powers granted to the police by the Home Office state that after a person who is outdoors without a good reason is initially asked to return home, refusal could lead to a £60 fine.

This drops to £30 if paid within 14 days.

If this fails, police also have further powers to arrest members of the public if they still refuse to comply.