PEOPLE from London and Southampton were sent home by police officers after being caught rock climbing in Portland.

Weymouth and Portland Police say officers were called to the Wakeham area of the island after reports of 'large groups' climbing on the rocks on Saturday, January 23.

The groups were spoken to by officers and two groups of two explained that they had travelled from Southampton and London areas to 'carry out their daily exercise'.

Police officers rejected their excuses and sent them all back home - including a more than 100-mile trip for two people from London. 

Official advice from the Government during the national lockdown states that people are permitted to leave their house once a day for exercise, but must remain in their local area.

A spokesman for Weymouth and Portland Police warned that anyone else who travels outside their local area without a reasonable excuse will be issued fines and sent home.

He said: "Officers from Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing Team attended the area of Wakeham on Portland today following reports of people rock climbing in large groups.

"Officers spoke to several small groups. Two groups of two stated that they had travelled down from the Southampton and London area to carry out their daily exercise.

"All persons were dealt with accordingly and directed to leave the area by officers.

"Please can we remind the public that you are to complete daily exercise in your local area only.

"Officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team will be carrying out further enhanced patrols and will issue fines."