Suffolk Constabulary is reminding communities to “stick with it” and continue to comply with government social distancing measures to tackle the continuing coronavirus crisis.

The message comes as people were praised for following the guidelines and doing the right thing over the bank holiday weekend – as the three days passed without “significant incident” across the county.

A police spokesman said: “Overall, the weekend passed off without significant incident and people were generally still observing the government instructions for which we are grateful and appreciative of.

“Officers were out and about conducting patrols and, despite the sunny and warm weather, the vast majority of people adhered to the social distancing guidelines and with no large gatherings requiring our intervention.

“Naturally, some locations that saw larger numbers of people out meant social distancing was more of a challenge.

“The message remains for the people of Suffolk to ‘stick with it’ and keep following instructions if we are to continue slowing the spread of the virus and saving lives.”

The bank holiday weekend at the start of this month saw police issue more than 150 warnings to people ignoring lockdown rules across Suffolk over the three days, with 14 fines issued for “breaches of the government regulations.”

Last week, two large gatherings of people had to be dispersed from the same North Denes area of Lowestoft following reports of barbecues and outdoor parties.

The scene on bank holiday Monday in Lowestoft, saw the majority of the public adhering to the regulations – with sunbathers socially distancing on the beach, car parks were being well used as the seafront takeaways and promenade was busy.

Public gatherings of more than two people who do not live together are prohibited.

The guidelines allow one person to meet one other person from outside their household outdoors.

Government advice is that they stay more than two metres apart.

Legislation has been introduced giving police powers to disperse public gatherings and fine those who do not follow the rules.

Anybody with concerns about unauthorised gatherings should contact police via www.suffolk.police.uk/contact-us/report-something/report-breach-covid-19-restrictions