A man has become the first in the county to be charged with breaching lockdown rules.

Jagjit Sidhu from Gravesend is charged under new Covid-19 legislation, with contravening a requirement as to restriction of movement during the emergency period and failing to comply with an instruction to return home.

Officers attended Peacock Street, Gravesend, on Tuesday and despite efforts to engage and encourage Sidhu to comply with national guidance it is alleged he continued to ignore the advice and was arrested.

Previous advice to the suspect had also been given by officers on separate occasions, between April 14 and April 20.

Mr Sidhu, 58, of Harmer Street, Gravesend is bailed to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on June 17, where he will also face a charge of being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

Chief Inspector Neil Loudon, Kent Police’s District Commander for North Kent, said: "This is the first charge which has been issued by the force in connection with breaching Covid-19 legislation. Our officers work hard to engage those going against the instructions, explaining why they are necessary and encouraging them to comply, with enforcement being used only as a last resort. This is a challenging time for police officers as it is for everyone, and we urge people to continue to follow the guidance issued by Government."

Read more: all the latest news from Gravesend