More cops in place to deal with restrictions

Additional police officers have been deployed to support new coronavirus restrictions.

Additional patrols will assist local authorities in ensuring pubs and restaurants close at 6pm following an announcement by the First Minister earlier this week.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: “Officers will be highly visible in communities over the weekend to engage with the public, explain the new advice, guidance and restrictions and encourage people to do the right thing.

“From the start of this pandemic, the people of Scotland have demonstrated impressive personal responsibility. They know that following the advice and adhering to the rules is the best way to combat the spread of coronavirus.

“These significant restrictions on our freedoms do not affect everyone equally and I have been clear from the outset that constables will exercise the discretion of their office to work with our fellow citizens in a collective effort to protect lives.

“The Police Service of Scotland will continue to work with courtesy, compassion and common sense to help keep people safe.”

In the week up to midnight on Sunday, October 4, provisional data indicates officers responded to 365 reports of house gatherings or parties of which

271 were found to amount to a breach of regulations.

Officers issued 106 fixed penalties and made 18 arrests in relation to house gatherings.