Tourists from Hertfordshire visiting Beachy Head given police "advice"

Police have given a group of tourists "firm words of advice", after officers discovered they had travelled over 100 miles to Beachy Head, from Hertfordshire. Sussex Police also said they've made dispersal orders in several places, including Crawley, Eastbourne, Hastings and Seaford, as the lockdown to prevent Covid-19 spreading continues. But the service has also thanked members of the public, after patrols on Good Friday claimed that fewer people are now in public places. Officers believe the reduction in numbers has been particularly noticed in formerly popular areas, such as seafronts, parks and most beauty spots. They also praised the organisers of the Uckfield Beer Race, who decided not to go ahead, despite charitable aims. Superintendent Graham Barnett from Sussex Police said: "We appreciate the lockdown measures are difficult for everyone — especially at a time when many of us would normally be setting off on holidays or gathering with friends and family — but we are very pleased to see the vast majority of people taking this seriously and listening to the Government guidance to stay at home. "However, we urge people to continue following the guidance, which includes not meeting up with other people from outside your household to have barbecues or house parties, even if social distancing is observed. He also warned: "Unfortunately, a small minority of people think they are above the law and continue to flout the restrictions. "A number of these also think it is acceptable to cough and spit at our officers while they are doing their best to play their part in saving lives. "This will absolutely not be tolerated and we will take appropriate action against anyone who continues to put lives at risk. "We will be patrolling our rural and urban communities over the Easter weekend, as well as travel networks across the county. "We will continue our approach of engaging with the public we see out and about, explaining why it is important to follow the government guidance. "We will encourage people to do the right thing and stay home but if they don't follow these rules, we will use whatever enforcement is necessary." More Radio is continuously dedicated to providing a quality news service on-air and online, reporting local stories that matter across Sussex. If you found this story useful, then check out our home page at moreradio.online where you can find the latest from the county, along with features and competitions from our presenters, as well as listening to the station live. You can also sign up to our news alerts to receive updates on new stories. Simply click on the bell at the bottom right of the home page. This will then allow a pop-up which will ask if you would like to receive alerts. Press ‘allow’ and you’re all signed up! You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.