Coronavirus: Laurence Fox trivialises lockdown as he mocks 'sunbathing police'

Laurence Fox has mocked coronavirus lockdown measures as he hit out at the “sunbathing police”.

The 41-year-old actor has two dogs which he takes for walks in his local park in London and is objecting to the threat of park closures in a bid to enforce social distancing.

Fox tweeted: “Beware the sunbathing police.

“Walking outside - Fine

“Running outside - Fine

“Sitting outside - Evil virus spreading b*****ds!

“I mean come on.”

Responding to criticism he went on: “I comply with all the government guidelines, maintaining safe a distance when taking exercise and am self isolating. Which part of that attidude is irresponsible? Shutting parks is a bad idea. I’ve seen nothing but respect between people when outside this week.”

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Fox – who become the centre of a media storm after voicing controversial opinions on political debate show Question Time in January – posted a video of his dogs running around his local park, sarcastically captioned: “Terrifying.”

The Lewis star also posted a photo of his dogs inside at home, captioned: “Guilt tripping.”

Health secretary Matt Hancock has warned the strict lockdown measures could be tightened if people fail to observe them properly.

People are currently permitted to leave the house for daily exercise.

But on Saturday April 4th 3,000 “sunbathers” ignored social-distancing guidelines and flooded one of London’s largest parks, Brockwell Park in Herne Hill, south London, to enjoy the good weather.

Lambeth Council tweeted that Brockwell Park would be shut from Sunday onwards.

Fox has returned to social media during self-isolation having announced he was quitting Twitter in February over fears he has ruined his career.

Fox insisted he still stands by the opinions he voiced on Question Time – which included his claim it was “racist” to suggest he is a privileged white male – and does not believed it to be controversial.

Fox is father to sons Winston, 11, and Eugene, eight, with ex-wife Billie Piper.

A member of the Fox acting dynasty – his father is James Fox, his uncle is Edward Fox and his cousins are Freddie and Emilia Fox.

He attended British public boys’ school Harrow but was expelled a few weeks before his A-Levels.

He is best known for playing detective James Hathaway in long-running ITV drama Lewis.

Fox recently issued an apology to Sikhs for his criticism of the inclusion of a Sikh soldier character in First World War film 1917.