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Police in Northamptonshire are being warned they could face a misconduct rap if they fail to stick to rules on wearing face coverings.

No-nonsense Chief Constable Nick Adderley revealed his officers have been told they need to set an example to the public in the battle against Covid-19.

He said: "I've been contacted and asked about officers wearing masks and is it one rule for one and one rule for us. The answer is no!

"There are a number of exemptions and circumstances when officers do not need to wear masks while on duty — if they are in a vehicle on their own for example.

"But in the main they should be doing so, and if you see they are not then let us know.

"Just last week had a couple of emails about one of our Interceptors driving through Irthlingborough with both officers not wearing masks. A quick radio call and they were put right.

"We need to set an example and one of our key messages to staff is the need to wear masks.

Northants police officers have been warned they need to mask up while on duty. Photo: Getty Images

"It has been made clear to officers that if they fail to adhere to a lawful order they are likely to face a misconduct panel. That's how seriously we take this."

Police have stepped up enforcement of Covid-19 regulations about gatherings and public not wearing masks on public transport and shops.

Six bus passengers were fined for breaching the regulations and ten shoppers also landed £100 tickets during a clampdown in Wellingborough — including one who was fined twice for entering two shops without a face covering.

Mr Adderley told a Facebook Q&A: "Probably half of people think we're not doing enough and half think we're doing too much and we're in the middle. So that's about right.

Northamptonshire's Chief Constable Nick Adderley

"Where there is genuine confusion — and there is are a number of people who are confused — we do want to help people understand so they don't fall foul.

"But we have got a hard core number of people who are just not listening.

"The number of fines that have been issued in Northants is highest in the region. We've had individuals who have been issued with eight, nine, ten, even 12 tickets.

"And it is those people we will target and those people we will fine and enforce the law.

"Some have been put before the courts and have been coming out with on average £450 fines instead of £50 in the first instance."

Northamptonshire chief warns police could face misconduct panel for not masking up