The Chief Constable of Essex Police has told the public "let's not to mess this up now" over the Easter weekend as people from different households get together again - many in the county for the first time since early December.

His comments come after restrictions were eased on Monday (29 March), allowing people to mix outdoors, including in private gardens, in groups of six or as two households.

Chief Constable BJ Harrington has told the people of Essex his officers will be on hand to keep the public safe this Bank Holiday weekend, with extra patrols and a pledge to continue tackling Covid rule-breakers. You can hear what he has to say in the video with this article.

Since Monday (29 March) people are now allowed to mix outdoors, including in private gardens, in groups of six or as two households.

And although people are understandably looking forward to meeting loved ones for the first time in many weeks, Mr Harrington has issued a simple message to the county, saying: "Please, let's not mess this up now."

Mr Harrington said: "The last 12 months have been really difficult. Families and friends have been kept apart and now we have a chance to meet up outdoors again for the first time, in groups of no more than 6 people or two households.

"This Easter bank holiday, officers will be out making sure our county is safe and responding to your calls for help.

"If everyone in Essex keeps playing their part, we will get our lives back to normal and then we can stay focussed on catching criminals – that's what we are here for, and we know that's what you want us to do. So, please, let's not mess this up now.

"Thank you to everyone in Essex who's doing the right thing, and if you have any concerns, just talk to one our officers or contact us on 101."

Throughout the last year, Essex Police officers have attended 14,000 coronavirus-related incidents, issued 1,200 fines and made 59 arrests.