POLICE have stepped up their presence around a public park after repeated reports of large gatherings and antisocial behaviour.

Officers will be sent on increased patrols of Southwick Green in an attempt to stop the breaches of coronavirus lockdown laws.

An Adur and Worthing Police spokesman said: "Due to ongoing reports of large gatherings and anti-social behaviour, we have increased patrols in Southwick Green and surrounding areas."

Current government lockdown restrictions state: "It is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble.

"You cannot leave home for recreational or leisure purposes (such as for a picnic or a social meeting).

"You must not leave or be outside of your home except where you have a ‘reasonable excuse’. This is the law. The police can take action against you if you leave home without a ‘reasonable excuse’, and issue you with a fine (Fixed Penalty Notice).

You can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.

"If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of £10,000."