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Police Admit They're 'Fighting A Losing Battle' After Crowds Rush To Parks

Police Admit They're 'Fighting A Losing Battle' After Crowds Rush To Parks

Officers said the bank holiday sunshine had seen people breach the rules en masse

Jake Massey

Jake Massey

Police said they were 'fighting a losing battle' attempting to enforce social distancing measures, as hundreds of people flocked to parks to enjoy the bank holiday sunshine.

Police said they were 'fighting a losing battle' trying to enforce social distancing measures over the bank holiday weekend.
PA

Hackney Police shared a photo on Twitter in which groups of people could be seen congregated across the park.

In the caption, the defeated force said: "#OpPIMA and sadly we're fighting a losing battle in the parks today. Literally hundreds of people sitting having pizza, beers, wines. As always a big thank you to those that are observing the guidelines #StayHomeSaveLives #ProtectOurNHS #lockdownuk"


Prior to the long weekend, Brits had been urged to adhere to the current social distancing measures, which forbid people to go outside unless it's for essential travel or for their daily allotment of exercise.

In accordance with these measures, the public was also warned not to plan trips or outings to scenic places across the country.

Devon and Cornwall Police's Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew said: "To those thinking about travelling to the South West for holiday or social purposes, please come back later.

"Now is not the time for complacency and we must all continue to adhere to the advice which includes social distancing and only making essential journeys outside of our homes."


However, people up and down the country ignored warnings to stay at home, with the Coastguard receiving its highest number of call-outs since lockdown measures were introduced on VE Day.

Matt Leat, duty commander with the Coastguard, said: "People are ignoring the measures put into place by the Government.

"I completely understand that the weather and the bank holiday coupled with the fact that we've been in this lockdown situation for just over six weeks has tempted people out to our beautiful coasts. However, as the Government said only yesterday, it's really vital that we all continue to observe the guidance.

People across the country ignored Government advice.
PA

"Every time we get a 999 or distress call, we will always respond but the minute we send in a rescue response, we're putting our frontline responders at risk as well as putting the NHS under avoidable pressure.

"Please, please continue to observe the 'stay home, save lives' message - it's still in place for a reason. Exercise locally and stretch your legs, not our resources."

Boris Johnson will outline the 'roadmap' out of lockdown in the daily coronavirus briefing this afternoon.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Police, UK News, Coronavirus