Major incident declared in Bournemouth as thousands line the beaches

Y O

4 years ago

A major incident has been declared in Bournemouth after thousands of people descended on the area’s beaches as temperatures soared.

Council leaders say the numbers of people flooding the seaside in the last two days are “like those seen on a bank holiday”.

People are being told to stay away, with dispersal orders issued on beach piers, overnight campers evicted and additional police patrols brought in.

Visitors swarmed to Britain’s beaches as the country recorded its second hottest days of the year so far, peaking at 32.6C (90.68F) yesterday and 33.3°C (91.94F) today, both recorded at Heathrow Airport.

Dorset Police has urged people to stay away from the resort and other beaches in the county.

There have been reports of traffic gridlock, anti-social behaviour, fights and overnight camping.

Council leader Vikki Slade said: “We are absolutely appalled at the scenes witnessed on our beaches, particularly at Bournemouth and Sandbanks, in the last 24-48 hours.

“The irresponsible behaviour and actions of so many people is just shocking and our services are stretched to the absolute hilt trying to keep everyone safe. We have had no choice now but to declare a major incident and initiate an emergency response.”