Police face “one of their biggest challenges” of the lockdown this weekend as sunny weather risks drawing crowds to parks and beauty spots.

Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer told the BBC it was a “pivotal weekend”, urging people to “play their part” and avoid travel.

Ministers have said “stay at home” is an instruction, not a request.

And senior medics urged people to avoid travel for the sake of two nurses who died of coronavirus.

A forecast of warm weather in some areas this weekend has led to warnings from local councils, tourism bosses and police urging people to stay away from coastal areas, national parks and other visitor destinations.

Can I go for a walk in the sunshine?

Forecasters have predicted a temperature high of 20C in south-east England on Sunday, while southern Scotland and the Midlands could reach 16C and 19C respectively.

Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Mr Sawyer said people would have to examine their own conscience if they endangered lives by ignoring the rules this weekend.

“Devon and Cornwall Police requires the public both within and outside our geography to play their part,” he said.

“But if a £60 ticket makes you do something and 684 people dying yesterday didn’t, then I think you’ve got to take a good look at yourself as to whether you’ve realised the seriousness and significance of where we are.”

The latest figures showed 3,605 people with the virus have died in the UK, with 684 deaths recorded on Friday. There are 38,168 confirmed cases.