POLICE were called out to a reported large gathering in Old Basing yesterday afternoon.

Reports went in to Hampshire Constabulary that 10-15 people were gathering at Barton Mill, not adhering to the government's social distancing guidelines.

However, when officers showed up just after 4pm, no gathering was found.

Unconfirmed reports on social media suggested that the group were drinking and smoking, riding horses with "no consideration to drivers and those poor horses".

It happened on the same day that the UK's coronavirus death toll in hospitals rose above 20,000, becoming the fifth country to reach the grim milestone.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called at 4.09pm on April 25 to a report of a group of 10-15 people at Barton Mill reportedly not adhering to social distancing guidelines.

"Officers were deployed to the area however no one was found at the location."

Earlier this month, police had to disperse a group of 20-30 men that congregated in Beggarwood Park.

Two police helicopters and ground units were called after the group, one of whom had an air rifle, disobeyed social distancing guidelines.

No arrests were made but "strong advice" about congregating during lockdown was given.