POLICE have asked the public to only call them if they need an emergency response after receiving a large amount of calls linked to the coronavirus lockdown.

Among the non-emergency calls received so far have been from people asking if they can feed their livestock, reporting issues with their employer and enquiring as to whether they can visit their relatives.

A police spokesman said: "We are getting a high volume of calls around the government rules requiring people to stay at home. The best source of advice for everyone on what is and isn’t allowed, is from the government directly and this information is available here: http://orlo.uk/quWyK.

"Please help us to prioritise and keep people safe by not calling us unless it’s an emergency or you need a specific police response.

"This includes not calling us with questions about whether you can/can’t visit relatives or feed livestock and reporting issues with your employer or their protective measures in place. If you have questions about businesses continuing to operate, trading standards and your local authority are the lead agency on this.

"You can report non-emergency incidents online here: http://orlo.uk/G1AOh."