Brighton seafront party sees 2000 people flock to coast as police issue dispersal order

Rex Features
Charlie Duffield25 June 2020

A huge beach party attended by hundreds of young people was broken up by police after a "stand-off" between revellers and officers.

Ten police vehicles were called to Hove Lawns, East Sussex at around 6.35pm after receiving reports of "pockets" of violence from "a large group of youths".

Locals described the scene was described as "pure mayhem".

The gathering happened yesterday as Britons sweltered in temperatures reaching 32°C in some parts of the country.

Rex Features

Those who weren't sticking to social distancing regulations started chanting a Sussex Police arrived at the scene and issued a dispersal order.

Speaking to the Argus, one eyewitness said: "There are ten police cars and all the kids are walking around shouting at police – it’s like football chants."

"All the police have pulled up and are walking along trying to get them to move."

Vodka bottles, laughing gas canisters and balloons were among the items left on the green this morning.

The dispersal order was made under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, which gives police the power to break up groups of two or more people if they are causing a nuisance, harassment or distress.

Disgruntled residents took to social media to complain about the disruption last night, whilst police continued to patrol along the promenade near Hove Lawns today.

However, Councillor Chris Henry of Brighton and Hove City Council said: "Let’s not leave our young people behind in the Covid recovery plans.

"It’s understandable that they’re bored and missing their friends, so we need to ensure their safety and develop activities for young adults so that police and the local community can focus on real crime and staying safe from Covid.

"Hove Lawns tonight shows how badly solutions for young people are needed and how youth services are needed more than ever."

Nevertheless, incoming Chief Constable Jo Shiner blasted the “shocking behaviour” of the teenagers, who have now been branded a "selfish minority", as Brighton and Hove City Council cleaners worked to rid the area of rubbish and the force stepped up patrols at the seaside.

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