GREATER Manchester Police has issued more than 5000 fines for breaches of Covid-19-related laws – but far fewer have been handed out since restrictions eased.

Campaign groups say rapidly changing rules and "chaotic communications" have led to confusion over the fine system nationally, with some people unaware they were breaking the law.

Figures have revealed a total of 5,247 fixed penalty notices were issued by GMP between March 27 last year and May 16 this year.

They include 126 fines handed out after April 18 – 508 fewer than the 634 processed in the previous five weeks.

The latest figures cover the easing of restrictions on April 12, which saw the return of outdoor hospitality, non-essential retail and gyms as well as the "rule of six."