Video footage shows the moment a huge brawl broke out at Broadstairs Beach in Thanet, Kent, yesterday (25 May).
The bank holiday Monday was a sunny one for many areas of the UK, with Brits seen flocking to local beaches and parks to soak up the sunshine - some socially distancing, some not.
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But at Viking Bay in Broadstairs, it wasn't just the temperature that was getting heated, with footage shared on social media showing a large group engaged in a 'massive brawl'.
A Twitter user called Courtney Barnett, of binningknivessaveslives.com, filmed the altercation as it unfolded and posted it on the platform, writing: "This massive brawl happened at #Broadstairs Beach in Thanet, #Kent today."
The clip begins with a heated discussion, before it breaks out into a physical fight involving several people - with some seen throwing punches and kicking.
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In a later tweet, Barnett also claimed the incident was triggered after 'disgruntled parents' confronted the younger group for their behaviour on the beach in front of children.
In a statement provided to LADbible, Kent Police said: "Kent Police was called at 4.15pm on Monday 25 May 2020 to a report of an assault on Viking Bay beach in Broadstairs.
"A man was reportedly punched during an argument between two groups of people. No serious injuries were reported.
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"Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/88034/20.
"You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111 or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org."
Broadstairs wasn't the only beach to become filled with visitors yesterday, with many others up and down the country packed out for the bank holiday - with police and local councils urging people to use their 'common sense'
Bournemouth Council tweeted to ask people to 'think twice' before visiting the beach - where car parks were completely full - saying there were other 'less busy' spaces they could visit instead.
The council tweeted: "Our seafront car parks are full. Please #ThinkTwice before visiting the beach - there are other less busy but equally lovely open spaces to enjoy or please #stayhome. If you do go out, please avoid parking in local roads or breaching traffic regulations and risking a fine."
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Meanwhile, Hillingdon Police tweeted a photo showing large crowds of people gathered at Ruislip Lido, a reservoir situated between Ruislip Common, Ruislip Woods and Poors Field.
The force said: "Police have been called to Ruislip Lido to reports of large group gathering.
"Please use common sense when it comes to social distancing."
Southend in Essex was also overrun by beachgoers, with Southend Labour councillor Matt Dent taking to Facebook to say he felt it would be better if many people had chosen to stay at home instead of heading to the beach.
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He wrote: "Speaking to some residents who live by the seafront, there's palpable frustration that they're forced to choose between staying indoors or venturing into their immediate local area and braving the hordes. I've also heard some pretty sickening reports of what people are resorting to rather than queuing for the toilets.
"People are staying alert, but on the whole I think it would have been better for everyone if they'd stayed at home instead."
Featured Image Credit: Courtney BarrettTopics: UK News
