POLICE have confirmed that they issued a substantial number of Covid-19 fixed penalty notices to mourners attending a funeral in Stanford-le-Hope.

The funeral of a member of the Traveller community reached its conclusion with interment at the Wharf Road cemetery in the town and - responding to residents' concerns - a significant number of police officers attended.

A statement from Essex Police says: "We were made aware of a funeral taking place at a cemetery in Stanford-le-Hope on Friday, 12 March where a large number of people attended.

"Officers responded to minimise the impact on the local community.

"Twenty-two fixed penalty notices were issued for breaches of Covid regulations."