Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner hits out at Covid conspiracy theorists as he urges people to adhere to lockdown rules

Humberside's Police and Crime Commissioner Keith Hunter hit out at views that "the rules won’t work" and people "then ignoring them", describing it as "a self-fulfilling prophecy from which real suffering will undoubtedly follow".

In a statement calling for unity and adherence to the new lockdown rules which came into force yesterday (Thursday), Mr Hunter also criticised what he described as an element of "populism" when it came to denying the seriousness of the current health crisis.

He said: "We live in a world where all too often professional expertise, based upon years of experience and study, is rejected in favour of ‘media influencers’ and populist opportunism, where conspiracy theories abound and the rise of individualism leads to a rejection of the notion of ‘common good’.

"I believe this is a situation where we should listen to the experts, reject the conspiracy theories and accept that for the good of the many we all have to make personal sacrifices – regardless of your personal views about Government competence or motives.

"We are where we are and we need to confront what is in front of us, not become blinded to the challenge ahead because of what has already occurred."

It comes as a family in Wales who had lost three of its members to Covid-19 revealed to Channel 4 news that they had been trolled on social media by conspiracy theorists claiming the virus was a hoax.

Claire Lewis, whose husband Dean, 44, brother-in-law Darren, 42, and 74-year-old mother-in-law all died after testing positive, said that people had posted comments online in response to news of the tragedy being published.

Mrs Lewis, 44, said she "felt sorry" for social media trolls and said that people needed to "wise up".

“I just wish people would wise up and think again, because at the end of the day, no one expects to bury their family to this.

“Everyone that thinks it’s a big joke and in a big conspiracy theory needs to just wise up and listen.”

Continuing his statement, Mr Hunter paid tribute to the NHS and emergency service workers, pleading for people in Humberside to follow the restrictions.

He said: "I ask that, for the common good and out of respect for public servants, everyone abides by the law and guidance issued in respect of the lockdown and that you all support our police service in their efforts to protect the public.

"We will get through this together if we work together. If we don’t do that, the journey will be longer and harder than it needs to be."

Support The Yorkshire Post and become a subscriber today. Your subscription will help us to continue to bring quality news to the people of Yorkshire. In return, you'll see fewer ads on site, get free access to our app and receive exclusive members-only offers. Click here to subscribe.