Police have warned of potential traffic disruption in the St Albans area ahead of a funeral procession today.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is expecting a "large" number of mourners to pay their respects to a man who has died.

A funeral service will be taking place at a church in North Watford today (Tuesday February 23) before a slow-moving funeral cortege travels through Watford, Hemel Hempstead, and Redbourn, and out towards Bedfordshire where a burial will take place.

Superintendent Nick Caveney said: "We anticipate some disruption in the local area, including possible traffic congestion. We recognise the likely impact on local residents and businesses and will work to minimise this wherever possible."

Police have been on duty in North Watford since yesterday due to the large number of people expected to pay their respects to the deceased.

Hertfordshire Constabulary believes more than 30 people will attend the funeral service in Hertfordshire, which would breach coronavirus laws.

Police say they have been liaising with family members, funeral directors, church, Watford Borough Council and other agencies ahead of the funeral.

Superintendent Caveney said: "The deceased person has a large family and it is likely that well over the permitted 30-people will attempt to attend the funeral.

"Whilst our sympathies are with the bereaved family at what is understandably a very difficult time, observing lockdown rules is absolutely paramount, to help stop the spread of the virus and save lives.

"I sympathise with anyone who is grieving the loss of a relative at this time and I understand that it is really difficult not being able to mourn in the way you normally would. However, we all have to remember that the rules are in place for a reason and the vast majority of people are doing the right thing."

He added: "We will not tolerate large gatherings in excess of the regulations and we are putting a proportionate policing response in place. All agencies are working to prevent breaches from occurring by engaging ahead of time with family members.

"The funeral directors will be working to keep the number of mourners inside the church to within the 30-person limit."