Police disband youths playing football in Luton park

Officers responded to "multiple calls" from the public regarding youths playing football in Leagrave Park, on Sundon Park Road.

Luton Community Policing Team tweeted: "This is a reminder that this is a breach of the Covid-19 regulations.

"By playing in groups you are not sticking to the guidelines and risk receiving a fine."

The enforcement action - taken less than a week before schools reopen on March 8 - prompted a mixed response online.

One person tweeted: "They’ve had almost a year of this, give them a break."

Another added: "Oh God forbid a few kids get together and kick a ball around. Do your jobs and tackle knife crime, drugs, violence... Stop picking on easy targets like a group of kids playing football in a field."

Under the current lockdown guidelines, members of the public are instructed not to leave home except where necessary.

Valid reasons include food shopping, travelling to work, exercise, meeting others within a support bubble and seeking medical assistance.