IT is hard to believe it is four years since the country was forced into lockdown by the rise of coronavirus.

There eerie photographs show Warrington town centre empty in the wake of the government's lockdown announcement at the end of March.

On Monday, March 23, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people can only leave their homes for limited reasons, such as for buying food or medicine.

Warrington Guardian:

All non-essential stores were ordered to close as part of a nationwide effort to control the spread of coronavirus.

Marko Chork sent in these photographs shortly after the announcement, showing a deserted Warrington town centre as people listened to government advice.

The only lights on were the few takeaway premises still permitted to be open.