'If lockdown rules are flouted, people will die' warns Milton Keynes police boss

He said the Prime Minster's announcement was the "first tentative steps" to release the country from the lockdown and enable enable many people to get back to work.

"However the phased release is conditional on the infection rate of coronavirus continuing to drop," he said.

Mr Stansfeld added: "It is up to all of us to continue to use our common sense and obey the rules. Likewise it is up to the police to ensure the rules are obeyed. This, Thames Valley Police will continue to do with good humour and judgement.

"If the rules are flouted then the infection rate will escalate, more will die, and the nation’s economy will be further damaged. None of us can afford that. The public, the police, and the NHS working together can make sure that does not happen.”