Police inspector thanks Scarborough residents for staying at home this weekend

North Yorkshire Police took these photos of areas around the town which would usually be packed during such a sunny weekend.

Inspector Steve Paxton captured the deserted locations at lunchtime yesterday.

"I'm pleased to say that it appears people are generally abiding by the important safety message to stay at home and not visit the coast from outside the area,” he said.

"Seamer Road and Filey Road would usually be like car parks at this time of year with visitors.

"I thank local residents and people from neighbouring counties for their continued support to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

"We all need to keep this up through the Easter period to keep safe and protect the NHS while they bravely deal with seriously ill patients."

Officers who were patrolling around Whitby on Saturday afternoon also photographed quiet parts that would usually be teeming with visitors.

They urged people to remember that the town’s beauty spots will still be here after coronavirus has gone.

Ahead of the weekend, chair of North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum Richard Flinton and North Yorkshire Police Assistance Chief Constable Mike Walker had released a joint warning for visitors to stay at home.

“Do not be tempted to jump in the car and head out to beauty spots in North Yorkshire’s countryside or on the coast,” they said.

“This is not essential travel. The instruction is to exercise from your doorstep once a day and not to travel to other places for this.”

North Yorkshire Police officers did have to confront people ignoring the restrictions by trying to visit Malham Cover yesterday.

Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team officers said they had to turn away a number of walkers from Leeds, Keighley, Bradford and Oldham from the popular spot after they ignored Government advice to refrain from travelling out of their area for exercise.

All the walkers agreed to travel back home and there was no need to take any further action.