CORONAVIRUS: Parents warned after reports of young people gathering together in parts of Boston

In a post on the Boston Police Twitter account, police said they had reports of groups gathering in parks all over the district.

It states that officers will take enforcement action against parents if attempts to reason with the youngsters fall on deaf ears.

They said the locations included Central Park, which was re-opened by Boston Council only this week after comments by the communities secretary in the Government official daily briefing saying all parks should be opened.

Young people were also reported to be gathering together in Witham, on Skirbeck Road and by the Rowing Club.

The post said: “We have engaged and explained, but if we see them again, we will have no choice but to visit you and enforce.”

The post came just a day after Lincolnshire Police issued a statement thanking people for adhering to Government guidelines in and around Boston.

The force said there has been more officer visibility in the town and around Central Park since its re-opening.

Officers have been working with council to ensure guidelines are met in the park.

Inspector Fran Harrod said: “The joint decision to close the park was initially made to underline the severity of the situation and the urgency of the need to follow Government rules to save lives and protect the NHS.

"Several weeks on, the vast majority of the people of Boston have been incredibly supportive of this.

"Following the Government’s latest guidance to make parks accessible for daily exercise, the time was right to re-open Boston Central Park.

The park and the whole town is extensively patrolled day and night, and anyone failing to abide by the rules will be engaged with and enforcement used as a last resort where necessary.

"Thank you all so much for staying home and saving lives.”

Sergeant Kate Odlin has been patrolling the streets of Boston after seven years of policing elsewhere.

She said: “I find it reassuringly the same with community spirit still here in abundance. I’ve sadly arrived back in the strange time that is COVID-19 restrictions. My day now consists of patrolling the Market Place and moving people on and ensuring social distancing is taking place to keep us all safe.

“I also spend time visiting play parks, wooded areas and the usual places I would expect to find gatherings. At this time I am following steps that you may have seen published by Lincolnshire Police of ‘Engage and Explain’ and enforcement is used as a last resort.

“Myself and my colleagues are trying our best to encourage these new rules without adding extra expense, however if we have to then we will issue a ticket. Tickets have been issued and people have been reported to court . I would point out though that this is the minority few who we’ve had to deal with in this way.

"I have visited families who have reportedly let their children breach by going out, again I have offered support, engaged and explained. The difference here is that it will be the parents who will receive the fine.

“This is a quick snap shot of my usual day at the moment. Please follow the rules and stay safe.”