HOME Secretary Priti Patel has called on senior police to crack down on those who breach coronavirus laws and warned there is “no room for complacency”.

The Witham MP has reportedly written to chief constables demanding more patrols and enforcement in Tier 2 and 3 areas over the coming weeks.

The Times has reported a backlash in response to the letter, with the newspaper reporting some senior officers have taken to calling the Home Secretary Pushy Patel in response to concerns she is encroaching on their operational independence.

Ms Patel has also called on 43 forces across England and Wales to focus on areas with a high infection rate, underlining the benefits of proactive policing.

In recent days reports have arisen of crowds of people rushing to leave restricted areas.

Dedicated Covid patrols have been set up in some parts of the country to try to stop breaches.

Ms Patel’s letter, also signed by National Police Chiefs’ Council chairman Martin Hewitt, outlined proposals for a new group of frontline officers tasked with providing an on-the-ground view of emerging challenges around coronavirus rules.

A police source said: “It is outrageous really. They write the law and it’s up to police forces how they interpret it.

“She shouldn’t be telling us where to enforce it, and which tiers to do more in.”

In September, when the Rule of Six was announced, Ms Patel attracted headlines when she said she would snitch on neighbours if they broke the rules.

Essex Police’s Colchester community policing team have been patrolling the town centre over the past week.

A spokesman said: “While on patrol they have carried out disruption patrols in areas of the town whereby there have been recent reports of anti social behaviour, stopped vehicles to educate drivers around the restrictions in the town centre and shown a presence in our local shops and businesses to prevent and deter theft offences.

“If you see our officers out and about over the Christmas period please say ‘Hello’ when passing.”