A couple who stopped off in Benfleet after travelling from Devon to London for a hospital appointment where told to return home after being stopped by police. 

The pair who had made the 220 mile trip from Devon where going to stay with family in Benfleet. 

They had made the journey ahead of a hospital appointment in London. 

But when Essex Police officers enquired about the journey they discovered they were not due to at the hospital for another nine days. 

The couple were told to return home to the south west. 

Lockdown rules mean people should only be making essential journeys. 

It was one of a number of times police issued warnings - and in some cases fines - to people who had flouted lockdown rules. 

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Others included a man who drove his three friends to Southend in the early hours and then told officers they didn’t need to know why he was there was issued with a fine.

Another driver, who decided to take late-night trip to Southend to 'see the sea' with two friends, had to make alternative arrangements to get home after being stopped by officers.

All three sightseers were issued with fines and the car was seized as it was uninsured.

Officers at Essex Police have urged people to reconsider any non-essential journeys they may consider taking. 

A spokesman said: "If you are thinking about organising a social gathering or making a non-essential journey, please reconsider, stay safe and stop the unnecessary spread of Covid-19.

"Our officers will continue to take a common sense approach to the government’s regulations. They will continue to engage with people, explain the regulations and encourage them to do the right thing.

"But, where reasoned conversation is not successful, we will consider enforcement action.

"We will continue to respond to clear and blatant breaches and, where they occur, work with our partners to resolve them."