Police admit they're 'fighting a losing battle' after hundreds flock to parks
Exasperated police have admitted they are ‘fighting a losing battle’ after hundreds ignored lockdown rules to flock to parks and enjoy the Bank Holiday sunshine.
Officers in Hackney, east London took to social media to blast members of the public who were pictured having ‘pizzas, beers and wines’ outside on Saturday – despite warnings the coronavirus infection rate could soar if social distancing is disregarded.
Hackney Police wrote on Twitter: ‘#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.’
Environment Secretary George Eustice has said it is of ‘vital importance’ that members of the public continue to follow restrictions over the Bank Holiday weekend, despite claims the government may allow unlimited outdoor exercise and outdoor picnics as early as next week.
However, pictures from elsewhere in London, as well as Brighton and Glasgow, show many are still not taking things seriously.
Bored Britons ignoring Boris Johnson’s pleas to stay at home this weekend were turned away by police from Brighton Beach on Saturday.
Locals are said to have cheered as tourists were banned from the beach and traffic officers stopped vehicles at the end of the A23.
The Coastguard also said it had seen the highest number of call-outs since lockdown began on the VE Day Bank Holiday Friday.
There were 97 incidents reported on May 8, which is 54% more than the average of 63 recorded for the whole of April.
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.
‘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 is due to announce his lockdown exit plan in a televised address on Sunday.
It is thought he wants to assess restrictions every fortnight before deciding whether to ease them further.
Hackney Police wrote on Twitter: ‘#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.’
Environment Secretary George Eustice has said it is of ‘vital importance’ that members of the public continue to follow restrictions over the Bank Holiday weekend, despite claims the government may allow unlimited outdoor exercise and outdoor picnics as early as next week.
However, pictures from elsewhere in London, as well as Brighton and Glasgow, show many are still not taking things seriously.
Bored Britons ignoring Boris Johnson’s pleas to stay at home this weekend were turned away by police from Brighton Beach on Saturday.
Locals are said to have cheered as tourists were banned from the beach and traffic officers stopped vehicles at the end of the A23.
The Coastguard also said it had seen the highest number of call-outs since lockdown began on the VE Day Bank Holiday Friday.
There were 97 incidents reported on May 8, which is 54% more than the average of 63 recorded for the whole of April.
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.
‘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 is due to announce his lockdown exit plan in a televised address on Sunday.
It is thought he wants to assess restrictions every fortnight before deciding whether to ease them further.