People in Greater Manchester are continuing to ignore the coronavirus lockdown rules, according to police.

In the last 24 hours, officers have taken 'enforcement action' against a number of businesses and individuals, GMP said in a post on social media.

Police have dealt with 19 incidents in which 'non-essential' businesses have continued trading.

They have also split up nine large gatherings.

Under the current government guidance, people should only leave the house to buy essential items from the shop, to exercise once a day, for essential work or for medical reasons.

Police have been given the powers to issue fines and break up gatherings during the lockdown.

(Image: GMP)

On Sunday (March 29), police dealt with 21 incidents of 'non-essential' businesses still trading, and split up 21 gatherings, a post on the GMP Facebook page said.

This means the numbers have decreased in the last 24 hours, but that people are still ignoring the guidance.

On Friday, the Manchester Evening News reported that 150 companies in Greater Manchester had been reported over a two-day period for failing to close despite the lockdown.

Anyone who sees 'large gatherings' or businesses flouting the rules is asked to make reports online.

They can do so via the Greater Manchester Police website or using the LiveChat service.

People should only dial 999 in emergencies.

The post on the Greater Manchester Police Facebook page on Monday (March 30) said: "We've taken enforcement action for a number of individuals and businesses over the last 24 hours.

"You should only leave the house for very limited purposes including shopping for necessities, medical purposes, exercise and if absolutely necessary, to travel to work.

"You can spread the Coronavirus even if you don't have symptoms.

"If you see large gatherings or businesses flouting the rules, please report via our website or LiveChat."

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