A CARLISLE pub is being investigated for breaching coronavirus restrictions during the first weekend of the new rules, police have confirmed.

New rules came into force on Thursday which require all businesses selling food and drink to close between the hours of 10pm and 6am.

It was part of a series of measures announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson aimed at combating rising numbers of coronavirus infections.

Officers were called to a Carlisle pub - which is yet to be confirmed - after it was serving customers past the 10pm curfew.

Cumbria Constabulary's Assistant Chief Constable, Andy Slattery, said that Cumbria did not see scenes similar to those in bigger cities such as Liverpool where large groups were seen congregating outside bars and pubs after 10pm.

“We were pleased to see that, other than a small number of isolated incidents, the vast majority of people complied with the new restrictions this weekend and the pictures seen elsewhere of masses of people congregating from 10pm in the streets was not replicated here in Cumbria," he explained.

“We did receive a small number of calls to house parties in the county but, on each occasion, the people in attendance had either dispersed prior to our arrival or swiftly upon our arrival.

“I am very grateful for the way the vast majority of licensees have complied with the new regulations and closed on time.

"We are concerned about the potential for gatherings on the street at 10pm and will continue to monitor this and respond where required.”

From yesterday it is now a criminal offence to ignore an instruction to self-isolate, with rule breakers facing a fine of £1,000, rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders.

People are required to self-isolate if they test positive for coronavirus or are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and are told to self-isolate.

ACC Slattery, added: “Ignoring an instruction to self-isolate is against the law. The financial penalty for those who ignore such an instruction is high but reflects the seriousness of the offence.

"Those who leave their self-isolation whilst infectious put the lives of other people in their community at risk."

The police officer has a warning for people.

“It is an unacceptable act, particularly at a time when the number of infections is rising rapidly," he explained.

“Whilst I am confident Cumbrian people know what is at stake and will abide by an instruction to self-isolate, I ask everyone to take personal responsibility for doing whatever they can to limit the spread of the virus.”

People are reminded to limit social interactions, maintain social distancing, work from home where possible, wear a mask when indoors and wash hands thoroughly and regularly.