THOUSANDS of fines were issued by police for breaches of Covid-19 restrictions over Christmas, it has been revealed.

Figures published by the National Police Chiefs' Council reveal a total of 2,254 fixed penalty notices were given out by Sussex Police between March 27 last year and April 18 this year.

They include 1,362 fines after December 20 – 60% of the total handed out by officers since the pandemic began.

The figures also revealed that 26 fines were given out between March 14 and April 18 this year - despite the easing of restrictions.

Across England and Wales, police forces have issued a total of 110,322 fixed penalty notices under the regulations.

However, assistant chief constable Owen Weatherill, the National Police Chiefs Lead for the police response to Covid-19 said police did not "get it right" on every occasion.

He said: “Policing has quickly adapted to changes in these unprecedented circumstances.

"When new regulations are issued, we ensure officers have additional guidance on the legislation and we continue to support them to reduce any errors in its application.

"We do recognise however that we have not got it right in every circumstance."

Of the fines in Sussex from March 27 last year to April 18 this year, there were nine for failing to wear a face covering when required, and 13 for breaching international travel rules.

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There were also 14 for breaking business regulations and two for holding a gathering of more than 30 people.

The remaining fines were for offences not specifically provided by the NPCC at a force level.

The figures cover the end of the tier system, which saw stricter restrictions on hospitality businesses and a banning of travel between areas with different tiers.

Since then, a lifting of restrictions saw schools reopen in March followed by a rule allowing groups of up to six of two households to meet outside.

In April, measures were further relaxed with the opening of retail, public buildings and holiday lets.