POLICE in North Wales will be patrolling its roads today and over the weekend to make sure that people's journeys are essential.

Officers will be telling people to go home if their journeys are not necessary.

It comes as drivers travelling from Middlesex and Milton Keynes have been asked to return home after being spoken to by officers in the region.

North Wales Police said: "Police officers, PCSO’s and the Special Constabulary continue to be out on patrol today and will be throughout the weekend ensuring journeys are for essential purposes only.

"The restrictions in Wales remain to help protect our communities.

"Please continue to #StayHome."

This morning, Chief Constable Carl Foulkes was on BBC Radio Wales to discuss North Wales Police's approach to policing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Part of this approach has been to deter visitors coming to the area's mountains, beaches, and other beauty spots, until it is safe to do so.

Sporting figures Robbie Savage, George North, and Harry Wilson, and adventurer Bear Grylls, have backed the message.

A spike in visits to a Snowdonia walking website , as well as discussions on motorcycle forums, this week has led to fears there will be an influx of people coming to North Wales from England where lockdown measures have been eased.

But the message is they are not welcome at this time, that they should "Visit Wales Later", and will be asked to return home.

North Wales Police said: "Officers will be visible on our road networks and in communities ensuring people are complying with restrictions."