Police warned today that they were aware of a plan by rogue motorcyclists for a breach of the 24-hour shelter in place order.

A spokesman said the “Moto Purge” had been promoted on social media with the intention of “pulling chase” from police officers.

He added: “The BPS wishes to make it absolutely clear, anyone found to be engaging in this event will be arrested, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and their vehicle seized.”

The spokesman told the public: “We urge that you let common sense be your guide.”

The event organisers invited motorcyclists to break curfew between midnight and 1am.

The emergency powers order banned all vehicles from the roads in the 7pm to 7am lockdown hours, except in exceptional circumstances such as a medical emergency.