Warning over mass gatherings along the south coast this weekend

  • Meridian
300720-Bournemouth beach in June-Meridian
There are fears there could be mass gatherings over the weekend, including a repeat of beach scenes like Bournemouth back in June. Credit: ITV News Meridian

As temperatures are set to rise this weekend, there are warnings that mass gatherings will have to be broken up over fears of a second wave of the coronavirus.

It comes as Sussex Police release body-cam footage showing a party being broken up in Eastbourne during lockdown.

Police were called to Edgeland Terrace, Eastbourne, around 9.45pm on Wednesday 8 April to reports of a gathering in breach of the government's Covid-19 restrictions.

Watch: Body-cam footage of incident

As one woman is approached she tells officers: 'I've got corona, watch out', while another officer is attacked and left cut and bleeding, after being hit around the head with a metal toilet roll holder.

Two women were sentenced in June for assault following the incident.

A third woman, Nicole Stonestreet, was given a four month suspended sentence this month.

Police had to intervene after many gathered on Hove lawns

Just over a month ago, hundreds had to be dispersed from Hove lawns, where scores of police had to intervene.

There are also warnings this weekend to people thinking of gathering in Brighton.

This weekend marks what would have been the official Brighton Pride parade and festival.

Library picture of crowds at a previous Brighton Pride event Credit: ITV News Meridian

A decision to cancel the event was made back in April because of safety concerns during the coronavirus pandemic.

However the LGBTQ+ annual event will still be celebrated online with studio recordings and stage performances.

There are concerns from organisers of Pride that unofficial parties are being arranged for the beach, so they are urging non-residents not to travel to the city.

Meanwhile, councils and emergency services fear there could be a repeat of scenes from Bournemouth, where thousands gathered to soak up the sun on the hottest day of the year in June.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council then declared a major incident, saying that services were "completely overstretched" as huge numbers of visitors defied advice to stay away.

Scientists are warning social distancing must be maintained as restrictions are eased. Credit: PA

With isolation periods extended for those showing symptoms, the pressure is now on to try to avoid a resurgence of the virus.