A Dalek has been patrolling a Caerphilly cul-de-sac telling residents to stay indoors to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The fully-motorised model Dalek, from long-running sci-fi show Doctor Who, which is owned and controlled by 39-year-old Ben Fletcher, took to the streets on a sunny Sunday afternoon to tell people to stay inside.

A video clip of the Dalek, uploaded to social media, went down a storm on and raised a much-needed smile during these difficult times.

One Facebook user commented: “Certainly brightened up the street today and put us on the map. Well done to Ben and Mildred.”

Another urged the Dalek to pay a visit to Bedwas.

Mr Fletcher said he was surprised by the response, and added: “I’ve read in the papers about people heading out to places like Barry Island over the last few days. People are treating this like a holiday when it’s not.

“I decided to take the Dalek out on a test run and neighbours were staring from their windows.

“It’s good for people to have a bit of fun – we haven’t had anything like this since World War Two.

“Hopefully people use common sense and stay indoors.”

He jokingly added: “I’m using evil to do good.”

Mr Fletcher has owned the model, which is around 167cm tall and weighs 300kg, for three years and takes it to conventions across the country.

He said he plans to take the Dalek, which is equipped with a voice changer and flashing lights, out and about more often after the coronavirus outbreak has died down to raise money for charity.