Police are urging people to stay home after spotting people across Watford breaking the coronavirus lockdown rules.

Last week Prime Minister Boris Johnson – who himself tested positive for coronavirus – announced that people should only leave their homes to exercise once a day, travel for essential work and shop for essential items.

The Government also advises that people who are out should stay at least two metres a part.

However, Watford Police said on Facebook they are still seeing "problem areas" in the town where people are not abiding by Government guidelines.

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Police say one problem they have seen are several groups of youths or adults from different households having a "kick around" in parks.

The force said that despite people stating they were stood 6ft apart, passing a ball around "is not a necessity at the moment".

Police say they have also witnessed and received multiple calls of youths meeting in different areas around Watford unnecessarily.

Watford Police said: "We want to encourage parents to have open discussions with there children about the severity of the current situation.

"Please remind your kids that them going on bike rides to meet with friends is not acceptable at the moment."

It was also suggested that people are going out to smoke at parks, with police saying that "Government guidelines surprisingly doesn't advise 'coming to the park to smoke a joint' as a form of approved exercise nor does it count as an essential journey".

Watford Police added on Facebook: "We can't stay at home but you can. Help protect the NHS!!!! Thank you for your support!!"

Hertfordshire’s Chief Constable Charlie Hall said: “This is a public health emergency and compliance with these measures is considered necessary to achieve the objective of effective social distancing.

“We have all heard the scientific advice which clearly states this will slow the spread of the virus and save people’s lives.

“The constabulary urges self-compliance within all Hertfordshire’s communities. Officers and staff will encourage all citizens to do so, remind those who we see in public who we believe may not be following them to do so, and only resort to enforcement action as a last resort.

“If we all work at this together we will slow the spread, save more lives and enable us to return to normality sooner.”