THREE people were issued with fines at the weekend after they were were caught camping alongside the River Avon in the Woodfalls area.

Officers became aware of a group of four individuals in a vehicle while in attendance at a separate, unrelated incident, near the Woodfalls at around 1am on May 25.

The police then found out that the group had travelled to the area from Southampton and were camping in a field to celebrate a birthday.

Under current Government restrictions, camping is not permitted and all campsites and caravan parks remain closed in accordance with health protection regulations.

Three adults, between ages 19 and 23, were issued with Fixed Penalty Notices and a 17-year-old was given words of advice.

Insp Pete Sparrow said: “Although the government restrictions now permit greater reasons for travel, there is still the underlying principle that people should stay at home.

"Camping with friends is not permitted. Salisbury is blessed with many beautiful locations, which will still be there in the future for you to visit once it is safe to lift the restrictions.

“Officers in Salisbury will continue to work tirelessly to protect our rural communities and encourage everyone to comply with the restrictions which are necessary to keep us all safe. Where necessary, enforcement action will be taken.”