Birdwatchers flock to North Norfolk for rare bird sighting
Police had to remind birdwatchers in North Norfolk this weekend to stick to coronavirus guidelines after many travelled to catch a glimpse of a rare bird.
Last updated 19th Oct 2020
Officers were called on Saturday morning to reports of more than 100 birdwatchers gathering, not social distancing and blocking roads, in order to see a bird in the Stiffkey area.
It came after a sighting of a rare Rufous Bush Chat was reported - the first sighting in Britain in 40 years.
Chief Superintendent Chris Balmer said: "We would ask that people do not continue to attend the location as we have had to remind many of Covid regulations.
"People may arrive on their own but some have started to gather in groups larger than six to be able to see the bird.
"This is a breach of the law.
"In the first instane officers will engage, explain and encourage people to leave but enforcement is an option and we will be issuing fixed penalty notices should people not comply.
"We want everyone in Norfolk to remain safe and this means everyone needs to adhere to the regulations."