A man has been issued with a £200 fine for taking part in a football match, breaking lockdown regulations.

The man, from Witham was issued the fine after police were alerted to a football match taking place in Billericay.

Around 30 parents watched their children play the match on Sunday (January 17).

Essex Police initially said no laws or Covid breaches took place at the match but further investigations revealed it was against the rules.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We were alerted to a football match taking place in Billericay and our officers engaged with some of those involved.

"They provided identification indicating they were part of an elite level football club and the match involved youth and academy players.

"Based on this information officers took a view that this activity was allowed under the regulations on elite sport and no breach of COVID-19 regulations had taken place.

£However, following further enquiries we now believe what officers had initially been told was not the case, the match had not been arranged by an elite level football club, and the match did breach the Government’s regulations.

"We’re now taking enforcement action against those involved and yesterday we have issued a man from Witham a £200 fine.

"Enquiries are ongoing to identify others involved."