Lincolnshire Police has issued more than 100 Covid-19 penalty notices since the start of Christmas.

Figures issued by the National Police Chiefs Council show that in the period up to December 20, Lincolnshire Police had issued 367 fixed penalty notices for a range of Covid-related related offences.

By Friday October 8, the number had increased to 481, said a police spokesperson.

At the weekend, two more tickets were issued when police stopped two men sharing a vehicle to visit a fast food take-away in Grantham.

Grantham police sergeant Dan McCormack said on twitter: ""#Covid19 fines issued to people who think it's acceptable to collect fast food together whilst living in different households and sharing the same vehicle with no masks."

"Strong advice given, along with a fine #Grantham #Policing #Lockdown"

The ticketing comes amid controversy over Derbyshire Police fining two women £200 for walking by a reservoir close to their home, and Dorest Police arresting other women for sitting on benches on Bournemouth seafront.

Derbyshire Police later withdrew the fines to the two women, but Health Secretary Matt Hancock defended the fine.

Chief Inspector Andy Morrice of Lincolnshire Police said: "We all have a responsibility to follow both the regulations and the guidance in place to protect the NHS and save lives. As throughout the pandemic, we'll engage proportionately, fairly, and continue on using the well-established four Es approach, which is to Engage, Explain and Encourage with Enforcement being used as a last resort.

"We are confident that the majority of people will act responsibly, respecting the rules and guidance, and playing their part to keep communities safe."

This evening at 5pm Home Secretary Priti Patel is to lead a Downing Street coronavirus press conference, where she will address the nation as the Government steps up its efforts to persuade people to comply with coronavirus rules and its stay at home message.

This follows Crime and Policing Minister Kit Malthouse warned the UK is at a 'perilous stage' in the battle against coronavirus.