Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings is assuring the public that police will continue to deal with any situations by seeking to engage, explain and encourage before they enforce following the warnings from the Prime Minister.

Dr Billings said: “We all need to take note of the Prime Minister’s sombre warnings and play our part in keeping infection levels down.

“I will continue to work with the Chief Constable, partners and communities to ensure that the rules are understood and adhered to and resources are in place.

“I am sure that people in South Yorkshire will continue to observe the new measures even though they cast a dark cloud over our lives.

“I have been assured by the Chief Constable that the police will continue to deal with any situations that arise in the most appropriate way, always seeking to engage, explain and encourage before they seek to enforce – but people should not be in any doubt that enforcement action is always an option if there is wilful non-compliance.

“We unfortunately have lost a lot of ground because the test, track and trace system is so far behind what was promised.

“There have also been exaggerated claims that we would see the back of the virus by Christmas. We now know that this optimism was misplaced and that the next six months are going to be extremely challenging. We all have a part to play in safeguarding not only our own health but that of our family and the wider community.”