Cumbria police have asked social media users not to send foul mouthed and abusive messages when they report on breaches of the coronavirus regulations.

The response, by Cumbria Roads Police, to internet rants against them came in a Twitter message on Saturday.

The unit has been reporting a string of motorists breaking the rules during the Covid-19 lockdown.

For example on Sunday they tweeted that they caught a driver who was travelling from London to Aberdeen to see his cousin.

The tweet said: “The police nationally have an approach to dealing with breaches of coronavirus regulations – which bans unnecessary travel.

“These range from engagement, explaining, encouragement and then enforcement.

“Views of the public vary but please refrain from responding with foul and abusive language, there really is no need. Thanks.”