AUTHORITIES are reminding members of the public to follow social distancing guidance after crowds gathered to watch a street entertainer in Carlisle.

The performer, known as The Stunt Runner, impressed people in the city centre on Saturday with his show, running through hoops of knives and fire wearing a blindfold.

But as crowds gathered, concerns were raised about social distancing.

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said: “We’d urge people to follow the appropriate guidance regarding social distancing and to remember that there may be vulnerable people around you."

Cumbria Police said it was not aware of the performance but said “officers continue to patrol and monitor the town centre and we will disperse any crowds or gatherings violating the rule of six, where necessary.

“We will continue to engage, explain, encourage and as a last resort, enforce the government’s rulings."

A concerned passerby said: "There was certainly no social distancing going on in the crowd as if you stood two metres away from someone else you couldn't see what he was doing."

Street entertainers and buskers don't need a licence from Carlisle City Council or the county council, though stalls, and markets must pay for the right to do so.

Unless they are reported for obstructing a highway, they are allowed to perform.