Police ‘struggling’ as sunny day tempts public out of the house
POLICE admitted they struggled to enforce the lockdown yesterday as crowds gathered in parks, beaches and streets to enjoy the glorious sunshine.
People were accused of ignoring restrictions over the bank holiday weekend, while HM Coastguard on Friday reported its highest number of call-outs since the lockdown began.
It had 97 incidents – a 54 per cent increase compared with April’s daily average.
Police in Hackney, east London, tweeted: “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.”
Hundreds of people were also photographed enjoying beaches across the country yesterday.
HM Coastguard commander Matt Leat said: “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, 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.”
Boris Johnson urged ontwitter for people to “keep going for everyone’s sake”.
Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone warned differences in England, Scotland andwales, would make it harder to enforce. He told BBC Radio 4’stoday programme: “I think it would make the consistency of public messaging harder, people would be hearing different things when they listen to different forms of media.”