RESIDENTS are being urged to only call 999 in a genuine emergency following a spate of unnecessary calls over the weekend.

While Cheshire Police has praised the community for the 'relatively peaceful' reopening of pubs, bars and restaurants on Saturday, the force received a number of 999 calls for issues that were not an emergency.

They included the breaching of social distancing guidelines, which cannot be enforced by officers.

Supt Julie Westgate said: “I would like to take this opportunity to inform people that you should only ring 999 in a genuine emergency.

“Over the weekend we received a number of calls relating to issues which were not policing matters, including people not following the social distancing guidelines, which the police cannot enforce, so are relying on your good nature to follow the guidance.

“Please remember the regulations that remain in place are to ensure the safety of the public.

"By following the guidance and working together, we can all help to protect the NHS and save lives.”

Only call police on 999 in an emergency – other calls to Cheshire Police should be made to 101.

Follow the latest coronavirus guidance at gov.uk/coronavirus