POLICE in Salisbury have issued seven fines and arrested a man while dealing with a group flouting Covid-19 restrictions.

Officers in the city said they are "working closely with partners" to deal with "a small group of individuals who are continuing to congregate in the city centre with no valid reason".

Despite the force's "best efforts" to engage with the group and explain the current social distancing measures, police say they are "continuing to receive reports of anti-social behaviour".

This resulted in seven fixed penalty notices being issued to members of the group on Thursday.

A man in his 30s was also arrested on suspicion of common assault and is currently in custody in Melksham.

Inspector Pete Sparrow said: “This is a small minority of people within our community and I know their actions are causing concern for the wider community of Salisbury who are playing their part in protecting the NHS and saving lives.

"Please be reassured that we continue to deal with these individuals – to date, dispersal orders have been authorised as well as the powers under the Public Space Protection Order in relation to consuming alcohol in public places enforced.”