A JOURNALIST has slammed the "ridiculous view" of a police officer who told him visiting a crime scene "isn't essential travel".

Ferrari Press Agency reporter Amir Razavi travelled to Woodmancote after the bodies of two adults and two children were found at a house in the small village on Sunday.

But he was told his journey was not necessary by a Sussex Police officer at the scene, days after the force was granted new powers to enforce social distancing in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.

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Mr Razavi said: "Journalists attending a murder scene - where four people including two kids have sadly died - to accurately report the news “isn’t essential travel”, according to a Sussex Police officer in Woodmancote.

"None of his colleagues have so far agreed with that ridiculous view."

But Sussex Police have since clarified their standpoint on the issue.

A spokesman said: "We recognise that journalists are key workers providing an important and valuable service in communicating news about Covid-19.

"Officers and staff have been made aware of this in relation to the presence of the media, but we would expect journalists to rigorously observe Government guidelines around social distancing, carry recognised ID and especially to consider the elderly and vulnerable if they are making enquiries locally."

The bodies of the family were found at their £500,000 property in Sussex.

The property was home to builder Robert Needham, 42, his mother Maureen, 77, his partner Kelly Fitzgibbons, 40, and their two children.

  • 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