The Metropolitan Police have said on Saturday that they are fighting a “losing battle” as “hundreds” of people were seen defying the lockdown measures in parks.
Furious police said that there are “literally hundreds of people sitting having pizza, beers, wines” whilst enjoying the sun across London’s parks.
Hackney Police thanked those who are “observing the guidelines” by staying at home, but warned those who are breaking the rules are not protecting frontline workers, as they will place avoidable pressure on the NHS.
The police said that those who break the coronavirus lockdown rules face warnings, fines, and in the worst-case scenario, they could face arrest.
A Hackney Police statement, posted on its official Twitter page alongside an image believed to be of London Fields, said: “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.”
#OpPIMA and 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 #StayHomeSaveLives #ProtectOurNHS #lockdownuk pic.twitter.com/U2eFTKTDGJ
— Hackney Police (gov.uk/coronavirus) (@MPSHackney) May 9, 2020
Scotland’s top police officer warned that policing will be more challenging if England and Scotland are to take different paths over the lockdown.
Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone told BBC Radio 4’s Today 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.
“It would be harder than it’s been but I’m confident that the police would be able to respond to any differentials that the politicians decide upon.”
Livingstone added, “Any easement or any change around that that has a level of distinction, whether that’s by locality, whether that’s by sector, whether that’s by criteria, age or occupation, inevitably adds a level of complexity.”
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