A GROUP of five men flouting social distancing rules to slow the spread of coronavirus hurled abuse when confronted by a police officer in Bicester.

In a Facebook post yesterday, Thames Valley Police Cherwell said while the 'majority of folk' were sticking to the new rules it was 'very disappointing' to hear one officer was abused while enforcing them.

The officer had asked the men to stop playing catch at the KEA Club Fields.

The post added:"These were five adults not children! 

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"Please don't make this harder than it needs to be #stayindoors#followtherules."

On Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed tough new measures in the UK in a bid to prevent deaths from Covid-19 and stop the NHS becomming overwhelmed by new cases.

Gatherings of more than two people, who do not live in the same household, are banned under the lockdown.