PEOPLE breaking the lockdown rules in Hampshire are set to receive fines in the post soon.

It comes after the police were given powers to disperse gatherings and hand out fines due to government instructions to only go out for essential reasons.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, more than 100 people in Hampshire have already been fined for breaking the lockdown laws.

Hedge End Police went on a foot patrol search to visit areas reported to them, where people have been spotted breaching the lockdown rules.

Sergeant John Carrington and PC Jason Steel visited Norman Rodaway Pavilion, Little Hats, Botley Rec and Woodhouse Rec before visiting Hedge End Village.

A post by PC Steel on social media reads: "Whilst we might not have been able to deploy immediately on each report (by phone or online) they are all recorded and we have used this information to direct and focus our patrols.

"We spoke to a number of people who thanked us for our efforts and as a result of having previously warned a number of people over the last month or so, I reported two men (at separate locations) who had decided not to listen to our advice."

The government instructed that people must only leave their homes to buy food and essentials, for essential travel to and from work, or for one form of daily exercise.

He added: "They will receive notification of their fines in the post shortly.

"Enforcement is a last resort but it is an essential tool that we will use if Engage, Explain and Encourage do not work.

"Thank you very much to all of you that have done your bit to stay at home and reduce the impact of coronavirus on our communities and the NHS. Sleep well."