POLICE spotted a car parked outside a Hampshire takeaway - and were shocked to discover it had come all the way from London.

The unattended vehicle was partly blocking a busy road in the centre of Fareham. It was on double yellow lines with its engine running and the keys in the ignition.

Details of the incident have been posted on social media by the Fareham East Neighbourhood Policing Team.

One member of the team said: "I was very surprised to find a car parked on the corner of West Street and Hartlands Road, partially blocking the main road and on double yellow lines.

"If this wasn't bad enough, the driver left the keys in the car with the engine running whilst they went to collect a takeaway.

"Advice was given to move the car and not leave it unattended with the engine running.

"You can imagine my surprise when I returned ten minutes later to find the same car, parked better but still unattended and the engine running.

"It later transpired that the car had no MoT and the driver had travelled all the way from London.

"We have some fine eateries in Fareham but I cannot fathom how this could be considered to be 'essential travel' in a pandemic, no matter how delicious the food may be.

"One person has been reported for breach of Covid regulations, quitting a motor vehicle and driving without an MoT."