A barber from West Malling said he 'will not stand down' and close his business during lockdown, after being warned of receiving fines following a visit from a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

Met Warwick, 39, took to Facebook earlier this week to tell customers that King's Hill Barbers, in Churchill Square, would remain open for business despite the national lockdown coming into place tomorrow.

He posted a follow up video yesterday showing a PCSO visiting the premises, following complaints received by Kent Police from people who had seen the post.

In the video, posted alongside the words "Police visit! The start of intimidation", the officer is shown speaking to Mr Warwick about the expectation for businesses to close from Thursday.

It does not appear that the officer was aware of the exchange being filmed.

Lockdown rules dictate that any non-essential businesses should not be operating, as part of the government's attempts to slow the spread of Covid-19.

But Mr Warwick remained defiant and told the officer that he would still be opening regardless.

In the video he said to her: "I've got no problem with you on a personal level but I don't want to be discussing it with anybody."

The PCSO said: "I'm here to offer words of advice", before being cut off by Mr Warwick, who replied: "That's alright but I have the option of taking the advice or not."

The officer explained that checks will be made on Thursday to businesses who are still operating during the lockdown.

Mr Warwick said: "I've heard your advice, you're telling me I shouldn't be opening on Thursday but I will be."

When the PCSO warned Mr Warwick that he is likely to be handed a fine if found to be operating his business, he said: "No I won't be getting fined, I won't accept fines.

"I stand by common law and I don't see, on Thursday, where there will be a victim. You can see my premises, it's one person in, one person out.

"If 200-300 people can walk into a supermarket and I can't have one person in here for their haircut, there's something wrong."

After the two-minute exchange the officer is shown leaving the premises.

The original video Mr Warwick posted announcing his decision to defy the rules has racked up more than 800 comments and 636 shares.

In the Facebook Live post, the barber said: "I do not agree or consent with my business being asked to be locked down.

"I decline the request, quite frankly."

Responding to Mr Warwick's decision to refuse the lockdown measures, on Monday a spokesman for KCC Trading Standards said: "The legislation has not yet been passed and until it is we cannot confirm its contents, particularly with regard to which businesses will be affected by closure.

"However, we will consider taking proportionate action against any business that does not comply with the law to ensure Kent maintains a fair, safe trading environment and its residents are protected."

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