Devon and Cornwall police force have hit out at media personality Katie Hopkins over her trip to a garden centre this weekend.
Hopkins, who shot to fame after appearing on series three of The Apprentice, tweeted to say she had taken a trip to Plants Galore in the West Country, despite government guidance ordering against all but non-essential travel.
She tweeted a video of herself outside the store and said: "This weekend we need to Dig for Victory.
"I applaud places like #PlantsGalore for defying bureaucrats (with guaranteed salaries & big pensions) using common sense and staying open. Customers 2 metres apart. Same as supermarkets. More vital than beer & cigs."
In the video, she said the 'paper pushers' at Exeter council have tried to shut it down and also said the store staying open could benefit people's mental health during the coronavirus lockdown.
She said: "The thing everyone wants to talk about is mental health and mental health issues.
"I would say that keeping garden centres open is an essential thing to be doing because it helps with people's mental health so I say let's dig for victory and do come and support the good people at Plants Galore."
Despite flouting the rules against shopping for only essential goods, Hopkins tweeted the Devon and Cornwall police account and said: "Arrested for buying tomato seeds. Let's do this."
She came under criticism for her actions, with one Twitter user saying: "That's not helping anyone. The sooner we all self isolate, the sooner we can get the shops open."
After the police force noticed her message, they replied and said: "Hi Katie. Over 30 people have now sadly died of COVID-19 in Devon alone and their families are now living with their tragic loss.
"Now more than ever we need everyone to work with us to encourage people to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
"As a member of the Devon community, do the right thing and join the community effort to protect each other."
