A mass brawl that reportedly involved '200 people' took place last night at a beach in Devon. Witnesses looked on in horror as the large group jostled and grappled with each other at Orcombe Point near Exmouth on Wednesday evening (24 June).
Eventually, the police were called to the scene after receiving reports of a 'large scale altercation' involving a crowd of young people.
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They eventually issued a dispersal order around the area and sent everyone away.
All available units from Devon and Cornwall Police were called to the incident, managing to break up the fight and clear the area by around 7pm.
One mum who witnessed the brawl spoke of how she was 'lost for words' and added: "It was absolutely shocking behaviour."
She continued: "I witnessed the fights between 5pm and 7.45pm, I am literally lost for words.
"As we were leaving my son got knocked into while they were fighting in massive groups!
"Would easily say 200 people plus - it was horrendous."
Another witness said that they, as well as and those with them, had decided to leave the beach because they felt 'uncomfortable' being close to the situation.
They added: "It started to get busy around 4pm with people gathering together, partying, doing drugs and swearing.
"The police started coming down shortly after a couple fights had happened."
Simon Jupp, the MP for East Devon, said that he was appalled by the incident and reminded everyone that they're supposed to be avoiding mass gatherings right now.
The dispersal order issued by the police lasts until Friday morning to avoid a repeat of these scenes as the hot weather continues through today.
The order allows police to break up gatherings of more than two people.
East Devon District councillor Nick Hookway said: "The events of last night are the latest in a series of anti-social behaviour that's taken place in Orcombe Point over the last few weeks, he said.
"Such behaviour is unacceptable and I thank the Police in their efforts to maintain order.
"It's understandable that residents wish to enjoy the beach during the hot weather but we must all do so in a responsible, considerate manner.
"We must also respect the Government's call for social distancing during the present pandemic.
"The dispersal set up by Devon and Cornwall Police is very welcomed."
A statement from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "It's believed that there were a number of fights within this altercation and was further reported that there had been anti-social behaviour seen during the course of the afternoon.
"A number of units attended the beach and sea front where a dispersal notice was put in place by police and will remain until Friday morning, in order to reduce the likelihood of recurring incidents.
"A small number of people had to be dispersed by officers whilst the majority dispersed of their own accord."
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