Boris Johnson's chief adviser Dominic Cummings was investigated by the police for flouting the government's own lockdown rules, it was revealed tonight.

The Downing Street aide was probed after witnesses spotted him at his parents home in Durham in late March, according to the Mirror.

Mr Cummings reportedly travelled 250 miles to the North East from London after laws came into force banning such visits.

He was pictured running out of Number 10 on March 27, the day after the stay at home rule was announced.

But a few days later, he was allegedly seen by locals in Durham - despite the PM's spokesperson insisting at the time he was recovering from coronavirus at home.

Durham Constabulary did not confirm an identity, but said they had spoken to an individual who had travelled from London after being tipped off on March 31.

A spokesman for the force told the paper: 'Officers made contact with the owners of that address who confirmed that the individual in question was present and was self-isolating in part of the house.'

No action was taken, but Mr Cummings was reportedly reminded of the government's travel advice.

On April 5, the maverick 48-year-old Brexiteer was apparently spotted by a 'shocked' neigbour in Mr Cummings' parents' back garden, where he was blasting out Dancing Queen by Abba.

On April 23, the aide was pictured back in the capital arriving at the back of Westminster.

Downing Street tonight declined to comment.