Thames Valley police's chief constable John Campbell has warned that new powers may have to be used if people do not heed Government advice to stay indoors.

He said: “The government has directed people to stay inside and only to go out for very specific reasons: to buy essential food and provisions, for a medical emergency, to care for someone, or to travel to and from work only when absolutely necessary.

“I am urging you to all take this advice.

"We will continue our day to day policing duties, working with our communities to ensure we are all complying with this essential government direction.

“However if the public do not take the advice we will look to use the new police powers in order to safeguard everyone. We are expecting legislation and further government guidance on this shortly."

 

 

 

 

 

He said the police had strong contingency plans to deal with all possibilities, adding: "If you take anything from this message please let it be this.

“Stay at home, protect yourself, protect your loved ones and those around you, and feel confident that Thames Valley Police will continue to protect you.

“We can all work together to best protect Thames Valley and the nation through this pandemic.”