Four youths were spotted gathering around the barbecue in Hipperholme on Wednesday.

The children were together despite being ordered to stay home by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in an address to the nation on Monday.

People were told during the speech that they could only leave home to get buy essential supplies, to exercise once a day, for medical visits or to travel to and from work if they are a key worker.

These extraordinary "lockdown" measures are to try and contain the spread of Covid-19 and take pressure off of the NHS.

Inspector Ben Doughty, an WYP officer covering the Calder Valley, shared the worrying incident on Twitter.

Insp Doughty said: "You could not write this!

"Hipperholme today. 4 x youths having a camp fire/bbq. Scarpered upon police arrival.

Children ran away from police officers after being caught having a barbecue during the UK 'lockdown'.

"Do you know where your kids are?"

A spokesman for the council shared the incident and issued an urgent call for parents to take responsibility for their children.

The spokesman said: "You really couldn’t write it...

"An urgent call for parents to take responsibility and keep children at home.

"West Yorkshire Police are doing a fantastic job policing new government restrictions, and dealing with anti-social behaviour."

Elsewhere in West Yorkshire, an officer shared his disbelief that people were hosting garden parties and visiting the ice cream van.

Sergeant Green, who policies Baildon and Bingley, said: "Garden parties/ BBQs / collecting a play house or playing in the street followed by a visit from the ice cream van IS NOT SOCIAL DISTANCING!

"These are very real reports we are receiving.

"Its simple STAY AT HOME."

Children flee from police after being caught having barbecue during UK 'lockdown'