Thames Valley Police Chief constable urges residents to 'use common sense' or 'more will die'

Thames Valley Police Chief Constable has asked local residents to use their common sense in a bid to beat the Coronavirus, as Prime Minister Boris Johnson was accused of putting out mixed messaged in his statement last night
By Thomas Bamford
Published 11th May 2020, 12:54 BST
Updated 11th May 2020, 12:56 BST
Sir Anthony Stansfield has had his saySir Anthony Stansfield has had his say
Sir Anthony Stansfield has had his say

Last night Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the first sketch of his ‘road-map’ to lifting the UK out of lockdown.

The Government says it is aiming to take a graduated approach over the several months with the option of toughening measures up if infections begin to rise again.

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Anthony Stansfield, Police Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police has urged the public to be on their guard to avoid a rapid rise of infections.

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He said: “Last night our Prime Minister announced the first tentative steps to release the country from the lockdown.

"This should enable many of us to get back to work. However the phased release is conditional on the infection rate of coronavirus continuing to drop. It is up to all of us to continue to use our common sense and obey the rules."

Concerns have been raised after levels of traffic around Aylesbury Vale has increased in the wake of Boris Johnson's address to the nation last night, where he encouraged people to get back to work as lockdown rules get relaxed.

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Nicola Sturgeon called on the Prime Minister to ensure people understood this guidance only applied to England - and she criticised the Prime Minister for his 'vague' 'stay alert' slogan as misleading and confusing.

The Prime Minister was also contradicted by his Minister Dominic Raab this morning, after Mr Johnson originally suggested that some employees would be encouraged to return to work today - however Mr Raab said that this would not apply until Wednesday.

Mr Stansfield continued:

."Likewise it is up to the police to ensure the rules are obeyed.

"This, Thames Valley Police will continue to do with good humour and judgement. If the rules are flouted then the infection rate will escalate, more will die, and the nation’s economy will be further damaged. None of us can afford that. The public, the police, and the NHS working together can make sure that does not happen.”