Arrests after 'mass brawl' on Bridgend beach as thousands across UK flocked to coast

Ellena Cruse26 June 2020
WEST END FINAL

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Police have launched an investigation after hundreds of young people were filmed in what appeared to be a mass brawl on a beach in south Wales.

Officers were called to Ogmore by sea, Bridgend, to reports of a "large gathering and a disturbance taking place" at around 8pm on Thursday.

Police arrived at the scene and two men in their 20s were arrested.

The crowd dispersed and the council was ordered to close the neighbouring car park police said.

It came as a major incident was declared on Thursday as thousands flocked to beaches on England's south coast. Large gatherings have also been disbanded by officers in Brixton and Streatham in south London this week.

A South Wales Police spokesman said: "As yet no victims have been identified nor come forward."

Officers were once again called back to the same location later that evening at around 10.50pm.

They had received reports that members from the same group had returned to the seafront.

The spokesman added: "We are aware of videos circulating on social media of the incident and enquiries are ongoing."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned the Government will take action if social distancing measures are ignored as thousands flocked to the south coast on the hottest day of the year.

A beach at Bournemouth was packed on Thursday
PA

Mr Hancock told TalkRadio on Thursday the Government had the power to close public areas such as beaches if people flout safety restrictions.

It comes as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council declared a major incident after services were “completely overstretched” as huge numbers of visitors crowded onto the beaches during the day.

Chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty later urged people to follow social distancing rules in the hot weather or risk causing a spike in coronavirus.

He wrote on Twitter: “Covid-19 has gone down due to the efforts of everyone but is still in general circulation.

“If we do not follow social distancing guidance then cases will rise again.

“Naturally people will want to enjoy the sun but we need to do so in a way that is safe for all.”

In an interview with TalkRadio, Mr Hancock said he was “reluctant” to go down the route of shutting public spaces as “people have had a pretty tough lockdown”.

But he added that if there was a spike in the number of coronavirus cases “then we will take action”.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council said extra police patrols had to be brought in following the “irresponsible” behaviour of crowds who gridlocked roads, dumped rubbish, abused refuse collectors and parked illegally.

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