Police ‘fight losing battle’ over blockade as ‘hundreds’ gather for picnics in East London

Police say they are “fighting a losing battle” to enforce the blockade after “hundreds” flock to East London parks for picnics in the sun.

Officials in Hackney said the groups gathered in city parks for “pizzas, beers, wines,” despite social distancing rules and government calls for people to stay home this weekend. week.

It comes after the Coast Guard said Friday had been its busiest day since the blockade began, with more than double the number of calls compared to the average day last month.

Boris Johnson plans to outline possible changes to the closing rules on Sunday, but has insisted that any changes will be “limited.”

It is believed that people can be allowed to spend more time exercising outdoors as part of the changes.

Currently, however, people are supposed to leave their home for work, food, exercise, or health reasons and to maintain the two-meter social distance rule when they are outside the home.

A statement from Hackney Police, released today on his official Twitter page along with an image believed to be from London Fields, said: “Unfortunately, today we are waging a losing battle in the parks.”

“Literally hundreds of people sitting around eating pizza, beers, wines. As always, many thanks to those who are observing the guidelines.”

Victoria Park, in East London, was closed during the shutdown after the council said there were too many people breaking social distancing guidelines.

However, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick said he disagreed with the decisions to close green spaces, and had “made clear” to councils that parks should remain open to help people with limited space.

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