Cycling to the beach and sunbathing is against lockdown rules, police have said, as concerns about more people and cars being out and about grow,

Weymouth and Portland Police were out on patrol yesterday, checking on areas including the Rodwell Trail, Marsh and Greenhill.

Officers said it seemed like there were a lot more people out and about and a lot more cars on the road than there have been the past few weeks.

They said cycling to the beach and then sunbathing is not what the Government has said is acceptable, and urged the public to respect this.

A spokesman said: "We know the weather is nice and it’s not so nice having to stay indoors, however the Government guidelines are quite clear on the only reasons why you should be leaving the house.

"Please respect this. The RNLI has also issued advice against doing any activities in the sea, which includes swimming."

You are allowed to leave the house to:

- Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible

- Any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide help or care to a vulnerable person

- Travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home

- One form of exercise a day, for example a walk, run or cycle, alone or with members of your household.

The team added that Covid breaches can be reported to dorset.police.uk/do-it-online by calling 101.