Families in some areas of the United Kingdom have been warned they could have their Christmas Day parties broken up if they flout lockdown rules.
West Midlands police and crime commissioner David Jamieson said officers will investigate reports of rule-breaking during festive celebrations and police will intervene if needed.
Areas in the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton, are currently in 'tier two' restrictions, which means people can't mix with others who aren't in their household in an indoor setting. They can, however, meet with others outdoors in groups of six or fewer.
"If we think there's large groups of people gathering where they shouldn't be, then police will have to intervene. If, again, there's flagrant breaking of the rules, then the police would have to enforce [them]," Jamieson told The Telegraph on Tuesday.
"It's not the police's job to stop people enjoying their Christmas. However, we are there to enforce the rules that the government makes, and if the government makes those rules then the government has to explain that to the public."
He also warned upcoming Hanukkah and Diwali celebrations could break the rules for families who want to gather indoors.
Merseyside police and crime commissioner Jane Kennedy also confirmed police in England's northwest would investigate reports of lockdown rule-breaking.
Merseyside is currently under tier three - the strictest regulations - and people are prohibited from socialising with anyone they don't live with, or haven't formed a 'support bubble' with, in any indoor setting, private garden and most outdoor hospitality venues.
"Merseyside Police will continue to do what they have been doing throughout this pandemic, which is to explain to the public what the restrictions require, including changes to the restrictions, and both engage with and encourage members of the public to abide by the restrictions," Kennedy told the Liverpool Echo.
"Enforcement is always a last resort but will be used where necessary."
In England, fines for those breaking the 'rule of six' restriction range from £100 (NZ$195) to £10,000 (NZ$19,536).
There are exemptions to this rule, such as for work and education.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was put under pressure earlier in October to clarify whether families will be exempt during the Christmas holiday.
When asked during an interview on ITV if families of five couldn't invite their grandparents around for Christmas lunch, he said: "We're not saying that at all."
He was then asked if that meant he'd "let [families] off the rules".
"Listen to me, we're doing everything we can, everything we can to make sure Christmas for everybody is as normal as possible."
