A major incident has been declared in Bournemouth after thousands of people defied public health advice and flocked to beaches.

Swarms of sunbathers and swimmers were pictured soaking up the sun as temperatures soared to 32C, with officials describing the scene as ‘appalling’.

Services were left completely overstretched as visitors arrived in large volumes, resulting in anti-social behaviour, gridlocked roads and excessive waste.

The council said workers received widespread abuse and intimidation as they attempted to empty overflowing bins on the seafront.

There were also a number of incidents reported which involved excessive alcohol and fights. 

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.’

Eight tonnes of waste was collected along the pier yesterday and this morning a further 33 tonnes was removed along the full stretch of coastline.

Bournemouth Council issued 558 parking enforcement fines – the highest on record – and responded to many reports of cars parking and causing an obstruction.

Overnight campers were evicted and further patrols by seafront ranger staff will be put in place.

Additional police patrols have also been brought in, security put in place to protect refuse crews and additional parking enforcement implemented to support the management of car parks and ticketing. 

Cllr Slade added: ‘The numbers of people descending down here are like those seen on a bank holiday. We are not in a position to welcome visitors in these numbers now or to deal with the full range of problems associated with managing volumes of people like this. PLEASE do not come. We are not able to welcome you yet.’

This is a breaking news story, more to follow

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