A woman was fined for breaching Covid-19 regulations after hiring an Airbnb and inviting along four other people to celebrate her birthday.

The woman was among the latest to be fined for what police called "clear and blatant" Covid breaches in recent days.

Last Thursday, March 4, a 20-year-old Colchester woman received a fixed penalty notice (FPN) after she hired a house in the town from Airbnb and invited four other people for a party to celebrate her birthday, Essex Police said.

On the same day, a couple from Enfield were fined after travelling 60 miles to Great Bentley for a break in their caravan.

Essex Police said: "Our officers will continue to engage with people, explain the regulations and encourage them to do the right thing.

"But, where reasoned conversation is not successful, we will consider enforcement action."

"If you are thinking about organising a social gathering or making a non-essential journey, please reconsider, stay safe and stop the unnecessary spread of Covid-19."

Among other people to receive FPNs for breaching regulations was a 23-year-old Chelmsford man who told officers he had driven to Shoeburyness to watch the sunset.

People aged 18 or over can be fined £200 for a first offence, lowered to £100 if paid within 14 days.

A second offence could cost £400, then doubling for each further offence up to a maximum of £6,400.

Essex Police added: "The number of people in our county who have contracted Covid-19 continues to fall. This is thanks to everyone who has followed the rules by staying at home, avoiding unnecessary journeys and isolating when required to.

"This week, children have returned to school. As restrictions ease, it is crucial we all continue to stick to the government’s guidelines to protect ourselves, our families and the NHS.

"Any surge in cases could put unsustainable pressure on our local hospitals and lead to delays in implementing the government’s proposed timetable, which it has made clear will be guided by data, not dates."

Suspected Covid-19 regulation breaches can be reported at www.essex.police.uk.