POLICE are urging the public to tell them about breaches of the lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic - after reports of people travelling to house and garden parties.

Residents have been instructed no to go outside unless it to buy essential food and medical supplies, or if necessary for work, or for one type of exercise per day.

However, in the weeks since the lockdown, people have been seen breaching this, with reports of scrambler bikes and groups congregating – going against government measures.

There have also been reports of people travelling to parties.

Police are urging the public to continue to report these incidents and any instances of anti-social behaviour.

The warnings comes as the Star reported the infection rates in St Helens are the highest in Merseyside and among the worst in the North West following a surge in recent days.

The number of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 for St Helens as of Wednesday, April 8 was 269 – a rise of 208 cases over the last week.

By Tuesday, based on the four days previously, the recorded rate of infection based on population in St Helens had increased to the second highest in the North West.

Matt Drennan, Inspector of Community Policing said: “We will work hard to tackle anti-social behaviour in St Helens and we will take action against those who continue with this kind of behaviour, particularly at a time when we have social distancing in place to keep our communities safe.

“We will be focusing our efforts on engaging with our communities, explaining the rationale behind the Government restrictions and encouraging them to stay home by reminding them that their support will help to save lives and protect the NHS.

“We have taken a common sense approach to carrying out the new legislation and all we ask is that everyone is sensible and cooperates with our officers when asked to keep away from groups of people or to return home as all we want is what is best for our communities and everyone has a part to play.

“If there are flagrant breaches then we will address this through tactical communication and the new regulations will only be used as a last resort.

“Finally, I would like to encourage people not to call 999 or 101 as we need to keep our lines clear for other emergencies at this time, if you are concerned about anti-social behaviour or you see groups of people together you can report it to us @MerPolCC or through Merseyside Police’s website merseyside.police.uk.”