Group of 19 men playing cricket in Moor Park spoken to by police

Any other Bank Holiday this wouldn't look out of place... Pic: Paul Winstanley — Any other Bank Holiday this wouldn’t look out of place… Pic: Paul Winstanley

A group of men were spoken to in a Preston park during Bank Holiday Monday after playing a game of cricket.

Paul Winstanley was out walking in Moor Park when he witnessed the game.

Lancashire Police’s Tactical Operations unit and Lancashire Police Specials broke up the game, which involved 19 men.

A number of the men could be seen sitting close together in the centre of the park.

@LancsPolice @blogpreston @PrestonPolice @ParksInPreston @BIDPreston

17 people enjoying a game of cricket… how stupid can you be…. idiots #StayHomeSaveLives https://t.co/ErfYe41VxU pic.twitter.com/gR6mMXxNw4
— Paul Winstanley (@PaulWinstanley) April 13, 2020

Lancashire Police’s Tactical Ops team tweeted: “Ourselves and colleagues from Lancashire Specials attended a report of several males playing cricket on Moor Park, Preston.

“19 adult males who claimed to be ‘bored’ have been suitably advised regarding social distancing.”

Government rules mean residents in the UK are advised to avoid leaving the home unless for essential travel to undertake shopping, for example, or to exercise once-a-day.

Social distancing measures have been in place since March and mean everyone must keep 2-metres distance to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Police have emergency powers to fine or arrest people breaking the lockdown guidance.

1,532 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Lancashire with 37 deaths from the disease at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust who manage Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley Hospital.