RULE-BREAKERS were fined after being caught driving 500-miles from Southend to Scotland in a bid to film TikTok videos.

A host of Essex residents were fined last week as police continue to crack down on “clear and blatant” breaches of Covid-19 rules.

Fines included a 38-year-old man from Southend and his 35-year-old friend who attracted the attention of officers after travelling all the way to Scotland and back to “test drive” cars.

Police say their excuse was that they were making videos for TikTok.

A 32-year-old woman from Wickford was issued a fine after inviting right friends to her son’s birthday party.

When officers arrived guests fled over the fence.

While six men aged between 26 and 57 were issued with FPNs after gathering for a party in a Langdon Hills home.

None of them were in a support bubble with the occupants of the house.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “It is essential that everyone continues to follow the guidelines as the Government has made it clear it will be guided by data and not dates when it comes to lifting lockdown restrictions.

“If we don’t all do the right thing and stick to the rules, it could lead to a surge in cases that would put unsustainable pressure on the NHS and lead to delays in implementing the Government’s timetable.

“We’d like to thank the vast majority of people in Essex who have stuck to the rules by staying at home, avoiding unnecessary journeys and isolating when required to.

“Our officers will continue to take a common-sense approach by engaging with people, explaining the regulations and encouraging them to do the right thing.

“But, where reasoned conversation is not successful, we will consider enforcement action.”

Elsewhere in the county, a 45-year old man, who admitted he should have been self-isolating, was fined after hosting an 18th birthday party in Silver End, Braintree.

At Stansted airport a 31-year-old man was stopped after attempting to leave the country for a two-week break to visit family. A 39-year-old man was stopped trying to board a flight to see relatives in Italy.

A police spokesman added: “You must not travel, including abroad, unless you have a legally-permitted reason to do so. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes.”