Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner David Munro has urged people living in Tier Four areas not to cross into Tier Two unless absolutely necessary.

Waverley stayed in Tier Two of the Government's Coronavirus restrictions when the rest of the county was put into Tier Four on Sunday, prompting fears that people living in higher tier areas would come into the borough to complete their Christmas shopping.

Mr Munro told Nub News: "I recognise that for so many individuals across Surrey, the news of tighter restrictions will have been deeply upsetting, and my thoughts are especially with those who may not have seen their families for a long time, and also with the owners of local businesses that have been hit particularly hard during this year.

"I understand the fears of those living in Waverley, that a minority of individuals may also seek to advantage of the lower tier restrictions, in particular in the last few days before Christmas. Unless for an essential reason, such as for work or childcare, I must emphasise that travel outside of the Tier Four area across the rest of Surrey is not permitted.

"Surrey Police will continue the approach of engaging, encouraging and explaining the latest restrictions across our communities. The vast majority of Surrey residents have shown excellent spirit in abiding by the rules so far, but anyone who flagrantly breaks the current restrictions should expect this to be met with enforcement.

"While Waverley residents will have the opportunity to meet a small number of loved ones on Christmas Day, I would also like to urge residents in this area to take the utmost care over who and how they meet this Christmas, in order to prevent the further spread of this particularly contagious strain of Covid-19."