A GROUP of people from six different households were caught sitting inside a beach hut, breaching lockdown rules.

The people in the beach hut on Hove seafront were given a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) by police.

They were among 120 rule-breakers who were caught and fined over the weekend.

READ MORE: 'Concerning' - 120 fined in Sussex over weekend for Covid breaches

A couple who had driven 88 miles to Beachy Head "for some fresh air" were also hit with a £200 fine, as well as three large indoor gatherings in Brighton and Hove.

A man who drove from Bexhill to Eastbourne "to fill up his car with petrol" was also fined.

The Argus:

Superintendent Julia Pope described the number of rule breaches in one weekend as "concerning".

She said: “We understand the past year has been incredibly difficult for everyone but the virus is still very much here and we all need to do what we can to help prevent the spread.

SEE ALSO: Coronavirus: How full is my hospital amid Covid wave?

"We know the overwhelming majority of people in Sussex are doing the right thing by staying home, wearing masks and social distancing, but the amount of the FPNs the force issued over the weekend is concerning.

“The rules and regulations are there for a reason and people should not be trying to find loopholes for their actions. Your actions could have serious consequences to the health of others.

“Our officers will continue to use the 4E’s approach and enforcement action will be taken against those who are still blatantly breaching the rules as if they do not apply to them.

“Please, let’s all work together to help prevent this virus, protect the NHS and save lives.”