Dyfed-Powys Police has dished out more coronavirus lockdown breach fines than any other force in Wales and England, new figures have revealed.

The force handed out 1,509 fixed penalties for breaking lockdown between March 27 and June 8, according to figures from the National Police Chiefs' Council, via the Press Association.

That is more than 400 more than the next-busiest force – North Yorkshire Police has handed out 1,082 fines.

With a total of 17,997 fines handed out across the two countries, it means that the huge force area covered by Dyfed-Powys Police has seen more than eight per cent of the total fines issued.

Powys has seen an influx of visitors, many of whom were visitors crossing the border who claimed to be unaware of a different in the rules between Wales and England, where the lockdown has been eased more quickly.

Last week a doctor from London was stopped in Brecon after driving across the country to buy lamb, while last month a group of 18 off-roaders from Merseyside were stopped in Newtown.

The force said recently that 72 per cent of people reported for breaches of coronavirus restrictions in Powys since March 27 have been from outside the police force area.

NPCC chairman Martin Hewitt said: "We're now near to closing the first month away from full lockdown.

"Soon, shops will be open again, and there will be more people outdoors going about their business.

"Our approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging continues to be successful. Since measures eased in England, the number of fines issued has seen a sustained fall.

"Behind each fine is a case where someone has failed to listen and do the right thing.

"A fine is issued following engagement to establish the circumstances, explanation of what the regulations are and why they're in breach of them, and encouragement to stop their activity and return home."

The NPCC said most fines are still handed to young men, aged between 18 and 24, and are most likely to be given at weekends and during spells of warmer weather.