After dispersing sunbathers from a Totnes beauty spot during the lockdown, police were greeted with a nasty surprise when they returned to their vehicle.

Sergeant Tim Perrin reported seeing people out sunbathing, reading and drinking at Vire Island on the banks of the River Dart.

When he asked them to move on and return home, the officer said he returned to his marked police car only to find someone had spat all over one of the door handles last Wednesday.

He tweeted: “Various sunbathers/book readers/drinkers moved on from Vire Island. Disappointed to find somebody had decided to spit the contents of the back of their throat and nose over our car door handle upon return.”

A number of people responded to say how appalled they were by the act.

Jonathan Young replied: “Disgusting behaviour! As a nurse I’m horrified to hear this! Thank you for doing your job so I can do mine! Greatest respect to you all!”

Jay Leake said: “Absolutely disgusting. What the hell is wrong with people! I fully support you in all the work you do.”

Support also came from Kerry Laugharne, who replied: “Please keep up the good work you are doing and it is disappointing that you are treated so badly when you are only trying to keep us all safe.”

Another replied: “Animals, although that’s an insult to animals.”

Andy Berry, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Police Federation urged Sgt Perrin to “keep up the good work,” saying: “Tim that’s awful and horrible at the best of times but now - well words fail - at least ones that I can publish. Keep up the good work because the vast majority of the public really appreciate it.”