Durham Police boss criticises Dominic Cummings 'unwise' lockdown trip as Downing Street defends his actions

This comes as Durham’s Acting Police and Crime Commissioner said that the Advisor to the Prime Minister’s visit to the County was frustrating and concerning.

It has been reported that Mr Cummings travelled from his London home to Country Durham to be near his family as both he and his wife fell ill with coronavirus.

Downing Street has said Dominic Cummings believed he "behaved reasonably and legally" when he travelled from his London home to Country Durham during the lockdown.

Durham Constabulary said in a statement on Friday that officers contacted the owners of a property in County Durham on March 31, more than a week after the lockdown had been imposed by the PM.

A spokesman said: "On Tuesday, March 31, our officers were made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city.

"Officers made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house.

"In line with national policing guidance, officers explained to the family the arrangements around self-isolation guidelines and reiterated the appropriate advice around essential travel."

Now Downing Street has said in a statement that his actions were in line with guidelines and said reports that his family were spoken to by police were incorrect.

The statement said: "Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.

"His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed.

"His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside.

"At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported.

"His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally."

Acting Durham Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner, Steve White has criticised the visit as ‘most unwise’ and encouraged people in Durham to continue to adhere to the lockdown regulations.

He said: “In relation to the incident where Dominic Cummings visited Durham during lockdown Durham Constabulary acted appropriately. Given the whole ethos of the guidance and regulations issued from the Government was to reduce the spread, regardless of reason, by travelling to County Durham when known to be infected was most unwise.

“To beat this crisis we need to be selfless as millions have been. The response by the people of County Durham and Darlington have been exemplary, which makes this most frustrating and concerning.”

“Incidents such as this do not help, and I can appreciate that the longer this goes on the harder it gets, but I encourage the people of County Durham and Darlington to keep up the outstanding effort seen so far by using common sense when following the guidance to stay alert and continue to social distance.”