Police asked to investigate Dominic Cummings over coronavirus lockdown trip

Durham Police has been asked to "establish the facts concerning any potential breach of the law" surrounding Dominic Cummings' visit to the county.

In a statement, the force's acting police, crime and victims' commissioner Steve White said: "I am confident that thus far, Durham police has responded proportionately and appropriately to the issues raised concerning Mr Cummings and his visit to the County at the end of March.

"It is clear however that there is a plethora of additional information circulating in the public domain which deserves appropriate examination.

"I have today written to the Chief Constable, asking her to establish the facts concerning any potential breach of the law or regulations in this matter at any juncture.

"It is vital that the force can show it has the interests of the people of County Durham and Darlington at its heart, so that the model of policing by consent, independent of government but answerable to the law, is maintained.

"It will be for the Chief Constable to determine the operational response to this request and I am confident that with the resources at its disposal, the force can show proportionality and fairness in what has become a major issue of public interest and trust."

Read More: Dominic Cummings is no stranger to controversy

British prime minister Boris Johnson defended Mr Cummings after news surfaced that he had travelled to Durham, but Downing Street said it would "not waste time" replying to fresh allegations from "campaigning newspapers".

Mr Cummings has denied returning to Durham in April, weeks after his initial time spent self-isolating in the region.

Speaking outside his London home on Sunday, after one journalist asked if he had been back to Durham in April, Mr Cummings said: "No, I did not."

The Labour Party has called for Mr Johnson to front the daily Downing Street press conference to explain what went on, and is demanding an investigation into Mr Cummings' behaviour.