A high-ranking Hertfordshire policeman has signalled his officers will clamp down on those who break lockdown rules.

Herts police have issued around 150 fixed penalty notices and 1500 warnings since August.

It has also been estimated that the force had been called out to up to 50 house parties across the county on New Year's Eve – including a boat party.

Superintendent Matt Nicholls from Hertfordshire Police said that on New Year's Eve almost one-in-four calls to the force control room had related to breeches of Covid restrictions.

In response to the pandemic restrictions, Supt Nicholls says the force had taken a 4'E's approach – seeking to 'engage', 'explain' and 'encourage' and 'enforce'.

But this week Supt Nicholls signalled that police would clamp down on those who break lockdown rules.

"We will move much more quickly to enforcement because we have the view people should now understand," he said, adding: "There will be more of a focus on enforcement, for sure."