Cambridgeshire police delete tweet about monitoring people’s shopping as ‘overwhelming’ numbers attend Peterborough B&Q

A force account tweeted that officers had visited Tesco in Bar Hill, near Cambridge, adding: “Good to see everyone was abiding by social distancing measures and the non essential aisles were empty.”

The post by Cambridge Police has since been deleted, with the force later tweeting: “For clarification, the force position, in line with national guidance, is that we are not monitoring what people are buying from supermarkets. This message was sent with good intentions by an over exuberant officer who has been spoken to since this tweet was published.

“Whilst the majority of people in our communities are abiding by the social distancing measures we have had to issue a small number of fines to those who are flouting the rules. None of these have been in relation to shopping or supermarket visits.”

The tweets come a day after Chief Constable for Northamptonshire Police Nick Adderley was criticised by Home Secretary Priti Patel after warning the force could start “checking the items in baskets and trolleys to see whether it’s a legitimate, necessary item”.

Mr Adderley later “clarified” his words, stating: “The confusion in the clip this morning, what I was trying to refer to was we may get to a stage where the purpose of somebody’s journey may be questioned by an officer - not searching trolleys and baskets.

“If that confusion has existed please let me clarify - we are not in that business. I’ve said that from day one.”

Meanwhile, bosses at B&Q in Maskew Avenue have asked police in Peterborough to put out an appeal for customers to not attend for click and collect deliveries before noon.

The Peterborough police Twitter account tweeted: “This is due to overwhelming attendance and to allow for staff to manage with their demands and keep you safe!”