An increased number of people have been flouting lockdown rules in one part of Kent today - despite the constant reminders to only go out if essential.

Groups have been spotted having picnics in Mote Park in Maidstone, with police having to send some home.

Community support officers have been patrolling the 450-acre park this afternoon, reporting an increased number of people in the area.

A tweet published by Police in Maidstone reads: "PCSOs patrolling Mote Park report an increased number of people out today and have sent home groups having picnics! Is this your daily exercise? Is this essential?"

As the weather improves, with temperatures reaching 21C in the County Town today, there is concern this will lead some to venture outside and ignore important lockdown rules.

The government and authorities in Kent are urging people to stay home, especially as we approach the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Speaking about the problem in general, Kent Police Chief constable Alan Pughsley said: "Most of the public are complying with my officer's directions. But I'm disappointed we have had to impose any fines - somebody was sunbathing and was told not to but he carried on sunbathing, which I think is appalling.

"Others have been stopped in cars with friends who they don't live with, it was the second and third time we had reported them."

Six fines have been handed out over the past week to people who continued to flout the rules.

Mr Pughsley added: "If you see major incidents - groups of 12, 20, 30 people - please phone us, and do it in a timely manner.

"Some incidents are being phoned into us an hour late, and then when we get there they aren't there anymore."

This comes as the coronavirus death toll in Kent passes 100, with more than 7,000 deaths due to the virus across the UK.

Read more: Remembering those we've lost to Covid-19

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