Downing Street has warned celebrities flouting coronavirus rules such as Rita Ora and Laurence Fox that they could potentially face police action.

A No.10 spokesperson said prime minister Boris Johnson was “clear” that everyone needs to follow the restrictions, “including celebrities”, and stressing that “it’s up to police to decide what action to take” if they are broken.

It came after pop singer Rita Ora reportedly broke lockdown rules by holding a 30th birthday party for 30 people at a west London restaurant on Saturday.

Meanwhile, controversial actor Laurence Fox was condemned on social media after boasting of having a “large group” over for lunch, where they “hugged, ate and put the world to rights”. 

Asked if public figures need to set an example by following Covid restrictions, a No.10 spokesperson told reporters: “I think it’s important that everybody in society sets an example by following the rules, that is for every member of the public, including celebrities.”

Asked about Ora’s party, they said: “Throughout the pandemic we have been clear that it’s vital for everyone to abide by the rules in order to suppress the virus and reduce the transmission.

“Enforcement… is for the police and they will enforce the rules in an appropriate and proportionate manner.”

The spokesperson added on Fox: “The prime minister has been clear of the need for everybody across the country to continue to abide by the rules in order to reduce the transmission of the virus, but it’s up to police to decide what action to take.”

Ora later apologised, telling her Instagram followers she felt “particularly embarrassed” because she has first-hand knowledge of “how hard people have worked to combat this terrible illness”.

The singer said: “I’m deeply sorry for breaking the rules and in turn understand that this puts people at risk.

“This was a serious and inexcusable error of judgment.

“Given the restrictions, I realise how irresponsible these actions were and I take full responsibility.”