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NINE men from Glasgow have been stopped and "dealt with" by police after flouting coronavirus lockdown laws - to drive to England to buy cars.

Officers in the north of England have shared images from the scene of two seperate incidents, which they have described as "not acceptable".

On one occasion, they also seized one of the vehicles because it was uninsured. 

Posting last night, Cumbria Roads Police hit out at the men.

They wrote: "How is travelling from Glasgow to Northumbria and then through Cumbria to buy a car an essential journey? 

"5 males dealt with under COVID-19 legislation and one car seized for being uninsured. 

"Stay at home. This is not acceptable! #StayAtHome #SaveLives".

 

READ MORE: Coronavirus in Scotland LIVE: Death tolls rises to 47 | SEC hospital plans | 1500+ cases

On a seperate incident, four men also from Glasgow were caught for the same reason. 

OPU Worcestershire Police added: "Strensham services NB, 4 males have travelled down from Glasgow to buy a car from the services.

"Didn't think the lockdown applied to them.

"That is NOT an essential journey. Suitably advised. 

"However both cars will now not start".

 

New coronavirus legislation gives cops the powers to enforce the rules on staying at home and closing non-essential businesses.

Police can direct people to return home and those in breach could be subject to a prohibition notice and if they do not comply they could be fined or prosecuted.

Fines of £30, rising to £60 if not paid within 28 days, can be issued. These penalties are doubled for each repeat offence up to a £960 cap.

As a result, over the weekend, 25 fixed penalty notics were issued by the force.

Government guidance on social distancing asks people to only leave their home for an essential purpose such as shopping for necessary food, household and medical supplies, travelling to and from work when doing so from home is not an option and daily exercise no closer than two metres from others.