THREE police officers were assaulted while arresting a trio for flouting lockdown rules during a "large gathering" in a park.

Officers took action after the group refused to comply with regulations in Victoria Park, Haywards Heath, on Saturday morning.

The force had been called to a "large gathering", and officers suffered minor injuries during the incident.

Following the arrests, there was an increased police presence in the parks.

In a statement issued on social media on Saturday afternoon, a Mid Sussex Police spokesman said: "We are patrolling Victoria Park in Haywards Heath after three people were arrested for refusing to comply with Covid regulations and resisting arrest during a large gathering on Saturday morning.

"During the incident, three police officers were assaulted and suffered minor injuries."

For the majority of the coronavirus pandemic, Sussex Police have been following "the four Es" approach to preventing people from breaching restrictions.

The force website says: "Engage. Explain. Encourage. Enforce. First we will try to engage with someone, explain how we think they are breaking the rules, and encourage them to change their behaviour to reduce the risk to public safety and health.

"If people still do not follow the rules the police can tell them to disperse, tell parents to stop their children breaking the rules or fine them.

"If someone continues to ignore the instructions, the police can arrest them if they think it is proportionate and necessary."

In England, people over the age of 18 can be fined £200 for their first offence. This is lowered to £100 if paid within 14 days.

A fine of £400 is issued for a second offence, and this figure doubles for each further offence up to a maximum of £6,400.

Police across the UK can take action if people leave their home without a "reasonable excuse" or meet in larger groups.

People found to have held, or have been involved in holding, an illegal gathering of more than 30 people, can face a fine of £10,000.