26 March 2020
Birdwatchers who flocked to a beauty spot in Gloucestershire to catch a glimpse of a rare bird have been sent home, police have said.
About 15 twitchers from across England congregated at an undisclosed spot in Cleeve Common, near Cheltenham, after the ring ouzel was reportedly spotted.
Ignoring the government's advice, the group had travelled from as far as Birmingham to see the bird.
The RSPB said it was "totally unacceptable" in the current situation.
Following the government crackdown on social distancing, people are being asked to stay at home, not travel unnecessarily and not gather in groups of more than two people.
'Go home'
Police said 10 cars and 15 people had set themselves up next to one another with long-sighted cameras and binoculars.
Wildlife crime officer PC Nick Westmacott said: "All of their details were obtained, and they were politely told to go home.
"On checking where they had travelled from, they had come from Birmingham, Swindon, Gloucester, Cheltenham and some from local Cotswold areas.
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