Northamptonshire police chief puts the record straight on checking shopping trolleys

Northamptonshire's top cop is fending off a barrage of criticism over his force's handling over the coronavirus lockdown.

Chief Constable Nick Adderley admitted he may have been "clumsy" in his language in front of TV cameras apparently warning his officers would set up roadblocks and check shoppers trollies.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Mr Adderley said: "We will not, at this stage, be setting up road blocks. We will not, at this stage, start to marshal supermarkets and checking the items in baskets and trolleys to see whether it's a legitimate, necessary item. But if people do not heed the warnings, we will start to do that.”

He quickly clarified the remarks on social media but Home Secretary Priti Patel labelling the original comments “not appropriate” hours later.

Mr Adderley admitted: "My remarks have caused a bit of consternation and I may have been a clumsy in that language.

"I'm sorry if that confusion came across and I want to give absolute clarity on where I stand and where this force stands.

"Northamptonshire Police will not set up roadblocks and we will not carry on basket or trolley searches. I've said that from day one.

"It may get to the stage where the purpose of somebody's journey may be questioned by an officer. But my officers have been told they must use their discretion and enforcement will only be used as a matter of last resort.

"This has been my position from day one and will not change.

"The communities of Northamptonshire have been incredible in their support for the NHS and saving lives as well as supporting us in doing a difficult job. We continue to work hard with them in stemming this awful disease."

Mr Adderley used Thursday's press conference to announce a stepping up of enforcement of the lockdown, warning that persistent offenders would be fined or arrested.

A week earlier, during a Facebook Q&A session, he said: "If anybody is stopped by a member of my staff and has their trolley examined and they are questioned, write to me personally and I will deal with that. It's not our job to patrol supermarkets or act as marshals."

The Chief Constable has been backed by Northamptonshire's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold.

Mr Mold tweeted: "Today Northamptonshire Police announced stepping up of enforcement on blatant disregard of Covid-19 safety advice, targeting repeat offenders in the county. Today's message was clumsy but the Chief Constable was clear from day one there will no roadblocks or trolley searches in Northants."

Asked about the remarks on TalkRADIO, Ms Patel -- In her first media appearance since the social distancing measures were introduced on March 23 -- the Home Secretary said: "Well that’s not appropriate, let me clear about that. That is not what the police are there to do.”