Superintendent Mike Walker, gold commander for North Yorkshire Police's response to Covid-19, said: "We must all do what we can to stem the tide of infection. We are in a really serious position now and so we must pull together to save lives. We should resist the temptation to gather together tonight ahead of the lockdown and jeopardise people's safety.

"Even from today, people should maintain a safe social distance, wash hands, wear a facemask in public venues or crowded outdoor spaces and refrain from household mixing.

"We know as the public of North Yorkshire what we need to do in this lockdown. We have done it once before and we can do it again."

The national lockdown comes into force on November 5

Supt Walker said the force would be putting out extra patrols to ensure public compliance with the regulations and would be applying the four Es approach - engaging, explaining, encouraging and enforcing.

He added: "North Yorkshire Police will continue to do everything within our power to keep the people of North Yorkshire safe.

"We know the majority of the public will join us and follow the rules. Those who do not, and who put the vulnerable among us at risk, should fully expect police to take action against them."

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Police call for public to 'resist temptation' of holding gatherings ahead of lockdown