SOUTHEND police have published a series of pictures on Facebook which show people seem to be heeding the lockdown message and staying at home to beat coronavirus

A number of reports on social media this morning suggested people were playing football and having barbecues on the beach. 

However, as the pictures show, most people seem to be taking the "stay at home" message seriously. 

Posting on Facebook, Southend police said: "In addition to the patrols that have been completed around Southend Town Centre and Seafront the team have been focusing on other popular green spaces.

"The good news..... is more compliance..... thank you all for doing your bit

"Same again tomorrow please."

Southend's council leader has said a total closure of the seafront is under active consideration as we head towards Easter.

A publicity campaign is also under way encouraging people to stay away from Southend. 

Halstead Gazette: Reassurance - Southend seafrontReassurance - Southend seafront

Halstead Gazette: Empty - Southend High StreetEmpty - Southend High Street

Halstead Gazette:

Halstead Gazette: Empty -' Leigh BroadwayEmpty -' Leigh Broadway

Halstead Gazette: No parking - Southend seafrontNo parking - Southend seafront

Halstead Gazette: Dedicated - council wardens on lockdown patrolDedicated - council wardens on lockdown patrol

Halstead Gazette: Nobody around - Southend seafrontNobody around - Southend seafront