Multiple men have been fined and investigated for poaching offences after being stopped by police at the weekend.

Five men were each given a Covid-19 fixed penalty notice by officers, after they were stopped in North Stainmore area of Eden.

They were all from different addresses in Carlisle, but had travelled to the area in the same car.

The incident was reported to police shortly before midday on Sunday (January 17).

The men were given on the spot fines for breaching lockdown, and remain under investigation in relation to poaching offences.

Inspector for Eden, Peter Aiston, said: “Poaching offences are always taken seriously by the Constabulary.

"However, in this case, the incident is aggravated by the men also breaching the Coronavirus regulations which are in place to stop the spread of the virus here in Cumbria.

“The men were all from separate addresses but travelled together in a single vehicle, putting their own health at risk.

“Cumbria Police would urge anyone with knowledge of poaching offences taking place to contact police immediately.”