POLICE have been seen "trying to disperse a group of eight" people gathered on a promenade.

The incident was seen near the Peace Statue in Hove at about 1.30pm.

This follows police being granted additional powers, announced during Prime Minister Boris Johnson's statement last night, in which they can impose fines to those not following government advice over social distancing and disperse groups of more than two people in public places.

A passerby said: "People will get it eventually but right now I’m not certain that the enormity of the problem over the coronavirus lockdown has sunk in.

"Police were just trying, unsuccessfully, to disperse a group of eight by the Peace statue."

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal.  Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund