Police break up family barbecue and large gathering of neighbours during weekend patrols in Milton Keynes

"They seemed to think that being from the same family would protect them from the Covid-19 virus. The visitors were told to leave and their party ended," said a police spokesman.

He added: "We were then asked to attend another address where neighbours from three separate households were congregating together at the front of their properties.

"Again, they were told to separate. At both of these incidents where the new regulations were explained, we were met with blank looks and a lack of comprehension as to why they could not mix with each other.

"Not only does it put you at risk, it also poses a risk to us when we have to visit and talk to people. Please follow the government guidelines."

Officers were out and about in parks and popular spots over the sunny weekend to check people were sticking to social distancing rules. They were also stopping cars to check where people had travelled from and why they were out.

"It was refreshing to hear that some were not only getting shopping for themselves but for family members too, limiting the number of people out," said the spokesman.