In response to the Prime Minister’s announcement last night, Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “South Yorkshire police are skilled at dealing with crises and adapting quickly as situations develop. We saw that during the recent floods.

“Their current approach, which I fully support, is to ensure that the public heed the government’s call to stay at home in order to reduce the impact of COVID-19 and to support the NHS.

“They will do this by persuasion, and only if people behave unreasonably and wilfully will enforcement be necessary. If this becomes the case I have no doubt that they will have the full support of the public, not least those that work in the NHS and those with relatives who may be affected by the virus.