'Unfit' man flouts coronavirus lockdown rules by driving from Liverpool to climb Pendle Hill

Describing him as a "rescue in the making", officers said they ordered the man to drive back home after finding him in Barley this morning (Tuesday).

A spokesman for Ribble Valley Police said: "We have genuinely been impressed with the efforts of the vast majority of people who have avoided the local beauty spots particularly through this period of dry and sunny weather. Although the numbers are creeping up, visits to Pendle Hill have significantly reduced. Your actions are helping the NHS and are in turn saving lives.

"We still have to keep vigilant and keep following the health expert’s advice. Today, we have removed an individual who thought it was okay to drive from Liverpool to Barley to walk up Pendle Hill. His justification for this was his local hills were ‘Closed to the Public’ and he needs to exercise as he has high blood pressure. This man was ill equipped for the task and clearly not physically fit enough to tackle what was in front of him. It was below freezing this morning and whilst it was a beautifully clear day he had no idea of the route terrain or direction back to his car once he had got to the top. If he made it all. No map, no compass, no fluids and no idea. Having dealt with six incidents so far this year this gentleman was definitely another rescue in the making."

The spokesman added: "Whilst Government advice is you can drive a short distance for exercise – Liverpool to Pendle is not an essential journey. This individual thought his actions were acceptable and didn’t think he was putting himself or more importantly you at risk. Additional, thanks go out to the farmers who work in and around Pendle who are supporting us in helping you keep safe."