POLICING the current state of lockdown has been described as an ‘impossible’ job.

Forces have been told they have no powers to enforce two-metre social distancing in England in fresh guidelines issued by the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

The guidance, which follows new advice from the Government on what is acceptable to do during lockdown, has been described as ‘confusing’.

Others fear the virus will spread further in Cumbria if officers cannot enforce social distancing measures.

Fresh guidelines by the NPCC told forces: “Government guidance is not enforceable; for example, two-metre distancing, avoiding public transport, or the wearing of face coverings in enclosed spaces.”

Paul Williams, the chair of Cumbria Police Federation, criticised the Goverment for its updated advice in an apparent easing of lockdown measures.

“It’s incredibly confusing for the cops.

“The Government is inviting people to relax and saying they can visit friends in parks but then saying people who breach lockdown measures will be hit with increased fines.

“It gives police an impossible job.

“It going to cause an influx of people visiting.

"We don’t want a second peak.

“The only thing clear is that it’s not clear.”

Other community leader expressed doubts over the new advice.

Barrow MP Simon Fell said: “I’m somewhat surprised given the excellent work that the police have been doing to date to do exactly this.

“This is a really unhelpful intervention when people are looking for a bit of certainty.

“Nonetheless, I’ll be raising this with ministers to try and get the assurances needed.”

Barrow councillor Bill McEwan, who chairs Cumbria’s Police and Crime Panel, said: “I think police should be able to enforce the two metre rule.

“The virus is not going away and social distancing has got to be kept up.

“Whatever law you put down people won’t do it.

“We don’t want another spike.”