Bushy Park monitored by police for 'social distance' compliance

The police were highly visible in Teddington's Bushy Park from early morning as weathermen predicted temperatures of up to 20 degrees.

Witnesses described the park as 'busy' and visitors as 'compliant' amid government fears that people would flout the 2-metres and Stay Home guidelines and flock to nearby open spaces and parks for picnics, sun-bathing and social gatherings with friends rather same households.

Serious lycra-clad cyclists joined parents pushing buggies and joggers as well as gentle strollers as they negotiated their safe distances along the narrower paths and routes.

The government has warned that parks face total closure if the guidelines are ignored during the warmer weather which is expected to last all next week.

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned: "If you don't want us to have to take the step to ban exercise of all forms outside of your own home then you've got to follow the rules and the vast majority of people are following the rules."