A SENIOR Cumbrian police officer has sent a clear message to people to follow the rules during lockdown.

After an increased number of tourists headed to the Lakes from across the country, Assistant Chief Constable Andy Slattery warned people in south Cumbria to abide by the guidelines - or face action.

He revealed that officers had seen a rise in people travelling to Cumbria over the past week, only to be stopped by police and sent home.

Among those was a family who had travelled from London, heading to the Lakes, and were told to turn around by police in Lancashire.

ACC Slattery also said drivers had travelled from Yorkshire and the Midlands.

“We have seen an increase in people trying to come to the Lakes and we’ve been working with the Lake District National Park Authority on this,” he said.

“People are looking at the fine details of the laws and trying to find an excuse to contravene and we’ve told them to turn around and go home.

“The virus does not spread itself. People spread the virus and they have to make sure they obey the rules because it will save lives.”

Police in Cumbria revealed earlier this month that 40 people had been under new coronavirus laws for breaching lockdown.

New figures are due to be published alongside the rest of the country’s forces by the National Police Chiefs' Council.

Police also reported a heightened number of tourists visiting Devil’s Bridge in Kirkby Lonsdale over the past weekend.

They said motorists and bikers from Warrington, Blackpool and Halifax had all visited, despite previous warnings to stay away.

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s director of public health, said people needed to think about saving lives.

He said:“It’s understandable that people will be feeling frustrated after several weeks of lockdown, and looking forward to returning to their normal lives and activities.

“However, these restrictions have successfully ensured that our NHS has not been overwhelmed and has been able to continue providing care and support to patients.

“It’s critical that we don’t lift restrictions too quickly or start ignoring them, because if we do we risk a second wave of new infections and ultimately, deaths.

“Please continue to follow the guidance from Public Health England and the Government.”