POLICE found New Forest car parks 'emptier than they have ever seen' whilst on patrol.

Officers stopped by some of the usually-busy areas yesterday afternoon to make sure people are following Government guidelines and staying at home.

Upon arrival, they were pleased with what they saw.

In a Facebook post, New Forest Heart Cops said: "Thanks to every one who stayed at home today. The car parks in the New Forest were emptier than I have ever seen them and most of those we asked to go home completely understood and did.

"It’s really important that we stay at home tomorrow, the day after and the day after that. And if you were one of the drivers of the cars in the photographs (and you will know who you are) perhaps you will join the rest of us and do the right thing in the future."

Meanwhile in Eastleigh, officers on patrol said the main streets felt like a "ghost town".

One said: "Never thought we would be patrolling Eastleigh Town Centre on a Saturday evening and it feel as if we were walking through a ghost town. It’s good to see that people are listening to the government guidelines that were put in place this week.

"We have been out on foot patrol this afternoon trying to cover as much ground as possible to hopefully provide a visible presence in and around Eastleigh, and to also make sure that nobody sneakily leaves the house unnecessarily."