Police called to people having beach bbq

(Last Updated On: April 9, 2020)

Police were called to reports of groups gathering, people sunbathing and having BBQs on the beach today, Thursday 9th April.

Police were called to Hollicombe beach earlier this afternoon, the people involved were spoken to and moved on.

Under current guideline, people should only leave the house for very limited purposes:

-shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible

-one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household

-any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

-travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home

Paignton Police said on Facebook: “We had just attended Hollicombe Beach for a report of persons gathering.

“Once at the scene there were various groups on the beach having BBQs and sunbathing.

“All persons on the beach have been spoken to and moved on. One person in particular had to be recorded as he was being obstructive to the attending Officers.

“May we remind you that this is NOT a holiday.

“Our Prime Minister and Government have instructed you to only leave your house for essentials such as food / medicine, work or exercise. You have been asked to do this because of advice from medical professionals and scientists.

“Those who are flouting the guidance are putting more lives at risk and are putting more and more strain on the NHS.

“Almost 1,000 people died in the UK yesterday due to COVID-19. This is NOT the time to be having a day on the beach.

“The longer people fail to comply with these basic instructions, the longer we will ALL have to stay in a state of lockdown and the conditions may even be made even stricter.”

Update: The man being obstructive to police was later fined at a second beach. More here: https://wearesouthdevon.com/man-fined-after-being-found-sunbathing-at-second-beach/