People breaking coronavirus lockdown laws in the UK can now be hit with £60 fines or arrested.
New police powers means forces can take firm action against those continuing to flout the laws aimed at stopping the spread of the virus.
And parents could be issued with punishments if they are found to be failing to keep their children at home.
The new powers come into force today and give the police a range of options to use against people who are failing to stay at home and venturing out unnecessarily.
Today a group of children became involved in an altercation with residents.
“Why are there constantly groups of kids roaming our streets in times of lockdown these seen on crimewatch facebook were seen today throwing stones at houses.”
If members of the public do not comply, police will be able to:
- Instruct them to go home, leave an area or disperse;
- Ensure parents are taking necessary steps to stop their children breaking these rules;
- Issue a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days;
- Issue a fixed penalty notice of £120 for second time offenders, doubling on each further repeat offence.
And if an individual refuses to comply, police may be forced to arrest them, reports Sky News.
However, the Home Office said officers “will always apply their common sense and discretion” in the first instance.