POLICE say a group of youths spotted coughing at NHS staff will be prosecuted - along with their parents.

Warrington police were called to the incident on Friday night.

A spokesman said: "We have attended reports of a group of youths coughing at NHS staff stating they have Coronavirus.

"The youths will be prosecuted as will their parents.

"Parents/ persons with PR make sure your children STAY INSIDE. You too can and will be prosecuted if you fail to do."

Police officers now have powers to enforce staying at home and avoiding non-essential travel.

As a result, people who continue to flout coronavirus lockdown rules will be breaking the law and could be arrested or fined.

Officers can use 'reasonable force, if necessary'.

Police can order members of the public to go home, leave an area, have the power to disperse a group and can make arrests if someone refuses to comply.

Those who ignore the tougher restrictions on movement could be hit with a £60 fine initially - reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days - and another for £120 for a second offence.