Police reject rumour that they told bars and pubs in Rugby town centre to shut following funeral today

A spokesperson for Warwickshire Police told the Advertiser the force is keen to dispel a rumour circulating on social media that officers told bars and pubs in Rugby town centre to shut today, November 4.

Rumours on social media suggested that officers were advising businesses to shut 'for their own safety' following a funeral at St Marie's church which attracted a crowd of several hundred.

Being told to close on the last day before the lockdown would have been a huge blow to Rugby's businesses - and the police were keen to answer.

The spokesperson said: "We've heard that rumour and we're keen to dispel it.

"We would like to make it clear that it is absolutely not true."

A walk through the town centre at around 5.30pm showed many restaurants, bars and pubs open as usual.