POLICE have issued a warning after reports of groups youths were flouting lockdown rules in County Durham towns.

Durham Police have received complaints about groups of up to 15 teenagers at a time gathering in various locations across the county, including Chester-le-Street, Stanley and Consett.

Under the current lockdown, residents are advised to stay at home and only to venture out for essential trips, such as daily exercise.

Police are reminding young people how their actions can affect others when they venture out and about during lockdown.

Superintendent Steve Long said: “We appreciate this is a really difficult time for everyone, especially for our young people who have a lot of disruption to their lives right now and just want to socialise with their mates.

“But we are urging parents to remind their children that what they are doing not only poses a risk to themselves, but also those closest to them.

“The rules are here to protect us all and we know the vast majority will stick to them.

“Those who choose to blatantly ignore the rules and put others at risk can expect to receive a fixed penalty notice and if they are young people then it will be the parents who will be issued with the fines."