People have been reported to be breaking lockdown rules by holding birthday parties and social gatherings during the week, police have said.

Dacorum Police wrote on facebook that officers have been responding to several reports of breaches of the coronavirus lockdown rules after they were eased by the Government.

As part of the restrictions being eased, people are now allowed to see one other person from a different household in an open public space, as long as social distancing guidelines are being followed.

But police in Dacorum have responded to reports of birthday parties and social gatherings at people's houses since the rules were eased - as well as "big" groups of friends meeting up in parks during the week.

Officers have now issued a warning for people to abide by the lockdown rules.

Police wrote on facebook: "We are continuing to respond to reports of breach of covid regulations this week.

"So far we have responded to a number of reports of breaches of the regulations. These have included reports of birthday parties and social gatherings at peoples houses and big groups of friends congregating in parks.

"Please ensure you remind yourself with the updated regulations and ensure that you abide by them.

"Thank you to everyone who has continued to abide by the lockdown rules so far."

Since Wednesday, lockdown fines rose to £100 for people believed to be breaching restrictions.

Their first fine will be lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days, but fines will double for each repeat offence, up to a maximum of £3,200.

The Prime Minister stressed during a televised speech last Sunday that the lockdown is not over and that it would be "madness" to allow a "second spike" of coronavirus, as he reinforced the new "stay alert" slogan.

But the Prime Minister said that people across the country can have "more and even unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise".

He said: "You can sit in the sun in your local park, you can drive to other destinations, you can even play sports, but only with members of your own household.

"You must obey the rules on social distancing and to enforce those rules we will increase the fines for the small minority who break them."

However, earlier this week Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called on Mr Johnson to provide "clarity and reassurance" over the easing of the lockdown.

To read the Government's official guidance on the coronavirus lockdown click here