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HEARTLESS yobs are continuing to put lives at risk on the River Clyde - even flouting the coronavirus lockdown to do so.

Despite new government regulations - which give police the power to impose fines on those not social distancing - a number of lifebelts have been thrown into the city's river.

At the Glasgow Times, we've reported on numerous occasions revealing acts of vandalism and theft from the banks of the Clyde.

And the most recent shocking incidents come just days after the bodies of two youngsters were recovered from the river within days of each other.

READ MORE: CAUGHT: Shock moment idiot Glasgow teens throw lifebelts into River Clyde

On Friday, the body of 22-year-old Emily Hope was found in the water near to the SSE Hydro.

And three days earlier, on Wednesday, the body of 20-year-old Lewis Simpson was also pulled from the water.

Despite the recent tragedies, people are still wrecklessly handling the essential equipment.

George Parsonage, who has dedicated his life to safety on the River Clyde with the Glasgow Humane Society, posted: "It is a shame that the stay at home suggestion has not stopped some people still throwing lifebelts into the river.

"Almost as sad as everything else that is going on."

READ MORE: Coronavirus LIVE: 1300+ cases in Scotland and lockdown 'could last six months'

Stef Shaw, who successfully campaigned to have emergency lifeline telephones installed on the riverbanks, commented: "We simply MUST get to the education authority and ask that every primary school in Glasgow, gets to cover projects on the history and SAFETY on the River Clyde in Glasgow, George. 

"Making safety part of the project would be a MUST and all of this should be part of the curriculum in Glasgow primary schools. 

"If we don’t get to children from a very young age and teach them the importance of safety at the Clyde this vandalism will only continue as it has for hundreds of years. It’s disgusting."

So far, 1384 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland.

Of that, 401 cases are in Greater Glasgow.

Sadly, 41 people who tested positive in Scotland have died.

READ MORE: Coronavirus 'house parties' clamped down by Police Scotland as dozens of fines issued

New coronavirus legislation gives cops the powers to enforce the rules on staying at home and closing non-essential businesses.

Police can direct people to return home and those in breach could be subject to a prohibition notice and if they do not comply they could be fined or prosecuted.

Fines of £30, rising to £60 if not paid within 28 days, can be issued. These penalties are doubled for each repeat offence up to a £960 cap.

As a result, over the weekend, 25 fixed penalty notics were issued by the force.

Government guidance on social distancing asks people to only leave their home for an essential purpose such as shopping for necessary food, household and medical supplies, travelling to and from work when doing so from home is not an option and daily exercise no closer than two metres from others.