POLICE in North Yorkshire have issued more than 100 fines to Covid rule-breakers since the new national lockdown began on January 6.

Officers have issued a total of 107 Covid fixed penalty notices, with almost half, 49, being issued in Scarborough followed by 22 in York.

According to the police figures, just four have been issued in Hambleton and none in Richmond.

Police say 50 have been issued to North Yorkshire locals, with the remainder being visitors to the county.

Far more men have been caught breaching the rules than women, with men accounting for 76 of the fines compared to 31 for women.

49 of the fines have been issued for indoor gatherings - 34 in Scarborough and 15 in York - with the remainder being given for people travelling outside their area.

Superintendent Mike Walker said they have issued more than double the number of fines compared to the first week of last year's first national lockdown.

He added: “Sadly we are seeing a minority of people flouting the rules and who are making unnecessary journeys into or across the county or who are gathering indoors and holding house parties.

“I cannot emphasise enough the risk this behaviour presents at this current time and I urge people to think about their actions and very carefully consider the decisions they make about leaving home. You should only leave home for essential reasons and if you do go out, you should stay local."