Police have admitted they are ‘fighting a losing battle’ as they turn sunworshipping covidiots away from London parks today amid 79F heat on the hottest day of the year.
Temperatures have hit 26C (78.8F) on the South Coast, matching the the 26C recorded in Treknow, in Cornwall, on Good Friday and most of the country have been basking in warm sunshine hotter than Ibiza and St Tropez.
Hackney Police admitted defeat as hundreds of people flocked to London Fields and other parks to drink, eat pizza and enjoy the sun.
The force Tweeted: ‘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.’
The Coastguard has said that on Friday it had the highest number of call-outs since lockdown began, with 97 incidents, 54 per cent more than the average of 63 recorded for the previous month.
Traffic cops in Brighton are stopping cars at the end of the A23 which leads to the south coast seaside mecca and officers have fined visitors trying to visit for the bank holiday.
Hackney police says it is ‘fighting a losing battle’ as hundreds of people flock to London parks, including London Fields (pictured), to eat pizza, drink wine and eat ice cream
A police checkpoint is turning away cars trying to get into Brighton as bored families break coronavirus lockdown rules because of 79F heat on the hottest day of the year
Covidiots flock to Burgess Park in South London, ignoring social distancing advice and packing out pathways and benches in the hot sunshine
Families with young children queue for ice cream near Greenwich Park in London as the ice cream seller dons a face mask despite customers lining up shoulder-to-shoulder
Police had to clear beaches at Southend-on-Sea, Essex, after sun-seekers flocked to the coast to enjoy the warm water and play ball games
Lockdown flouters are removed from the beach in Southend-on-Sea after ignoring the government’s advice to stay indoors over the bank holiday weekend
Potters Fields Park next to Tower Bridge in London was packed with people enjoying the sunshine as temperatures are estimated to be around 73F (23C)
People take a break from bicycle rides by gathering together on the grass in Primrose Park. Others stroll along paths for their one session of exercise a day
Cyclists queue in lines at traffic lights entering Parliament Square in Westminster, London, despite lockdown measures asking people to keep at a distance from each other
A police officer stopped to talk to three men as they prepared to exercise in Potters Fields Park next to Tower Bridge in London. As the officer spoke two of the men picked up boxing gloves and pads
A woman performs a yoga move as others sit on the grass and enjoy the warm weather in Potters Fields Park next to Tower Bridge in the centre of the capital
A couple enjoy a fish and chips lunch as they enjoy a day on Brighton beach. The pair go without masks and gloves as they touch shared salt and vinegar dispensers, putting them at risk of spreading the virus
Runners took to the river path by Regent’s Canal as the sun shone down and temperatures soared. The path’s width made it very difficult for people to stay apart
A group are moved on from Brighton Beach in East Sussex by a police officer as beach-goers flock to the stony seafront while temperatures rise
Hundreds of people took a seat on Brighton Beach in East Sussex as sunbathers ignored lockdown rules. Those who leave the house for one session of exercise a day are asked to avoid staying in one area too long
Some 346 people died of coronavirus in the UK today, bringing the country’s total number of deaths up to 31,587, as the number of cases in the country reached 215,260.
Locals in Brighton cheered as tourists were turned away, voicing their support for police efforts to maintain social distancing. Traffic cops from Surrey and Sussex Road Policing Unit stopped dozens of cars and had issued 12 fines and turned around 19 cars after stopping 65 vehicles before 11am.
London and the South East could see the hottest temperatures recorded in the UK so far this year, potentially surpassing the 26C recorded in Treknow, in Cornwall, on Good Friday.
It has led the Government to issue reminders to stay at home and obey social distancing rules amid fears people could flock to parks and beaches for days out. It comes after the country enjoyed a sunny VE Day yesterday and a taste of freedom as street parties and celebrations took place.
The glorious weather comes as the public remain confused by the government’s mixed messages, after they briefed to the papers that an easing of lockdown is coming and people will be allowed out to exercise more than once a day, while still insisting people must stay in this weekend.
A mounted police officer asks a family, who were having a picnic, to move on in Heaton Park, Manchester. Hundreds of people were asked to leave the park after they sat down
A police car patrols Greenwich Park in London, as sunbathers can be seen lying in the grass in front of the metropolitan police officer and hundreds flock to enjoy the weather
The path by Regent’s Canal in London was teaming with walkers, cyclists and runners as people made the most of the sunny weather to head out for their daily exercise
A police officer asked two men who are sitting on the beach with a young boy to leave. The group brought a picnic with them to the Brighton seafront
Crowds gathered together in Brockwell Park as even a pregnant woman, a group included in those told to shield from the virus, defies the rules to greet friends
A group stop for a break after exercising in Brockwell Park, south London, as the hottest day of the year continued
Community Support Officers patrol the beach on May 09, 2020 in Brighton, England. They’re asking people to observe lockdown rules
Shoppers buy gardening supplies from a Homebase store in Harringey. This pair have bought plants, posts and garden decorations as they spend lockdown revamping their outside space
Crowds gathered together in Brockwell Park, south London as adults and children sat outside in the sun despite social distancing rules asking people to stay apart
Crowds left home for their one piece of daily exercise as cyclists and walkers took to Brockwell Park in south London
A group are told to move on from the seafront after they gathered together in defiance of lockdown rules asking people to stay at home
A group of six adults chatted and laughed as they sat out on the grass in Brockwell Park as temperatures soared. Others behind them enjoyed a picnic on a bench despite this being against the rules
A family brought a picnic with them to Brockwell Park even though people are asked not to spend too much time outside because it puts others at risk of contracting the virus
Police and community support officers organise themselves before heading along the seafront asking groups to move on instead of sitting down
Britons continue to flout the lockdown rules by sunbathing in Blackheath and Greenwich parks. Men left their bicycles down as they took a seat in the sun
Mounted police officers greeted walkers who weren’t defying lockdown rules. Others were told to move on as police patrolled Heaton Park in Manchester
A group left down their Santander bicycles as they greeted friends and sat in the sun in Blackheath and Greenwich park
As officers patrol the beach in Brighton they greet groups and families who have gathered to enjoy the sunshire by the sea
Groups gathered together as they prepared to leave the beach. Officers walked along the seafront to remind people of social distancing rules
Battersea park with lots of people out enjoying the sunshine. Sunbathing is not allowed at the moment under government lockdown rules
This family, who were having a picnic in Heaton Park, Manchester, had to pack away when mounted police officers arrived
A couple ate ice-creams while taking a break from exercise in Blackheath and Greenwich parks. People have been asked to stay home and not spend too much time in public spaces
A man sunbathes as police patrol on horseback in Heaton Park, Manchester, while the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus
A group of three walkers wearing black face masks gathered around a phone as crowds passed them in Brighton
Walkers turned to look at mounted police officers as they patrolled in Heaton Park, Manchester, while temperatures rose
Shoppers queue at The Range in Nottingham today as the sun shines down on what is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far
Crowds were forced to group together as the density of people overran Broadway market in London, with shoppers all having the same idea of enjoying the sun with a stroll
People on the promenade during the warm weather in Brighton as the UK’s lockdown continued for another weekend
A police car on Bournemouth Prom as officers try to enforce lockdown while thousands of people flock to the seafront despite lockdown measures
Revellers enjoy splashing in the waves in Bournemouth, Dorset, despite lockdown restrictions asking people to stay at home to avoid spreading coronavirus
Cyclists meander along the seafront, weaving between walkers as hundreds of people take to the beach to enjoy the hottest day of the year
A man kicks a rugby ball at his friend as they play on the beach while walkers pass close by. Others enjoyed a dip in the sea as lockdown restrictions appeared to be ignored in Bournemouth
A couple sit down in Queen’s Square, Bristol, as another man sits surrounded by bicycles while taking a rest from exercise
A horserider enjoys the sun as she goes for a ride through Richmond Park as temperatures rose dramatically over the bank holiday weekend
Shoppers queue in the sun at The Range in Nottingham as Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to announce his plan for easing lockdown measures
A police officer advises people to leave the beach during the warm weather in Brighton as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus
Cyclists enjoy the warm conditions on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace during lockdown. They took advantage of the absence of traffic to take to the centre of the road
People sun bathing in New Brighton in Merseyside as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus
Groups gathered on towels on a patch of sand at New Brighton in Merseyside. One mother tends to a baby in a stroller
Officials with Camden ‘stay at home protect the NHS save lives’ hi-vis jackets on walked around Primrose Hill in the sun
Crowds gathered on the patch of grass at Potters Fields Park near Tower Bridge. While some exercised others simple sunbathed, something banned under lockdown rules
It was impossible to socially distance from others for those walking along the riverside in London. By Potters Fields Park next to Tower Bridge hundreds of people gathered
A group of people gather underneath a tree to get out of the sun while enjoying views of the City of London from a closed off viewing area in Greenwich Park
Lots of city-goers seemed to have picked up Santander bicycles to enjoy a scenic tour of London. Here tourists are pictured at Buckingham Palace
Matt Leat, duty commander with the Coastguard, said: ‘People are ignoring the measures put into place by the Government.
‘I completely understand that the weather and the bank holiday coupled with the fact that we’ve been in this lockdown situation for just over six weeks has tempted people out to our beautiful coasts. However, as the Government said only yesterday, it’s really vital that we all continue to observe the guidance.
‘Every time we get a 999 or distress call, we will always respond but the minute we send in a rescue response, we’re putting our frontline responders at risk as well as putting the NHS under avoidable pressure.
Cyclists enjoy the warm conditions on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace in London today during the coronavirus lockdown
Richmond Park with lots of people out enjoying the sunshine today. It is expected it will be the hottest day of the year so far, according to the Met Office
People enjoying the sunshine outside Buckingham Palace in London today. Lots of people were out and about as they pushed isolation restrictions to the limit
People take their exercise break by Sandbanks in Poole, Dorset today. People have been urged again today to keep social distancing efforts up for the Bank holiday weekend
Ramblers keep their distance from each other as they enjoy walks alone a path towards Belle Tout Lighthouse near Eastbourne, southern England
Walkers are out and about enjoying the warmer weather by the seaside in Paignton, Devon, as coronavirus continues to spread across the county
Cyclists queue in lines at traffic lights entering Parliament Square in Westminster, London, during lockdown. The government is set to announce measures to ease lockdown tomorrow
Sunbathers lie down in St James’ Park in central London despite lockdown rules forbidding sunbathing or picnic in public spaces and parks
People out enjoying the sunshine on Wimbledon Common today. Under current government lockdown rules the public are allowed out once a day for exercise
Today the south will be warm and dry, with temperatures reaching 25C in London – hotter than in Barcelona and Corfu. Pictured are walkers in Hyde Park this morning
People headed to parks across the country to enjoy the ‘hottest day of the year’ today, including crowds that headed to Battersea Park in London (pictured)
People enjoying the warm weather in Greenwich Park, London, as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus
People are seen in Broadway Market, east London today. Some were wearing masks but due to the amount of people in the area it was impossible to maintain social distancing
A large group of cyclists enjoy a day out in the sunshine as the warm weather sweeps over the country today. It is expected to get much cooler tommorow
People enjoying the sunshine in Hyde Park. This cyclist took the precaution of wearing a mask for his outing. Currently people are only allowed out once a day for exercise
People enjoy the warm weather in St James’ Park today. In London temperatures are expected to reach 26C on what could be the hottest day of the year
People enjoy the warm weather on Paignton seafront in Devon today. Government have expressed concern that the sunshine will mean flouting of lockdown rules
People walk in the Broadway market in east London. One man wears a mask while others congregate in close proximity to each other
A couple go for a job together in Victoria park in east London. Mounted police officers patrolled the area to enforce social distancing rules
A woman rests on a blanket in Battersea park in London. She has badminton rackets and shuttlecocks with her. The Government has asked people to avoid sitting down outside during lockdown
People enjoy the sunshine in Hyde Park this morning as the temperatures soar to 26C in the south of the country in what could be the hottest day of the year
Coupled enjoy strolls and bicycle rides together in Broadway market, east London, as temperatures read 79F on what has been deemed the hottest day of the year so far
‘Please, please continue to observe the ‘Stay Home Save Lives’ message – it’s still in place for a reason. Exercise locally and stretch your legs, not our resources.’
However temperatures will plunge by as much as 15C on Sunday, as a cold weather front moves in from northern parts of Scotland. Saturday will be bright for most in the UK, hitting highs of up to 23C in northern England, 21C in Northern Ireland, 20C in southern parts of Scotland and 24C in Wales by the afternoon.
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said: ‘Most of us will have some very warm and pleasant sunshine on Saturday, with London and the South East possibly surpassing the 26C (78.8F) mark, which would make it the hottest day of the year so far.
A woman in a kayak in the Regent’s canal in east London passed moored houseboats as she headed out in the sun for her daily piece of exercise
A father took his baby out for a walk in a stroller at Battersea Park in London as groups headed out for their daily walks. Others took a moment to chat on nearby benches
A woman used a skipping rope to exercise while a man took a break for a drink of water during an outing in Battersea Park
A family took a rest on the grass in Battersea Park as they took their dog out for their piece of daily exercise in London
A woman sits out next to an old crane on Bristol Harbourside as others were out and about in the city as temperatures soared during the eighth week of lockdown in the UK
A boy larked around on a section of mooring on the harbourside in the center of Bristol as his family enjoyed sitting out under the blazing sun
People are out and about in the sunshine at Bristol harbourside as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus
A mobile police station is parked on Bristol harbourside, where people used their one outing for exercise to take bicycle rides and walk around the city
‘This is because of southern winds coming in from Spain, which will make it warm and dry. But this won’t be the case on Sunday, a cold front will move in from northern Scotland, meaning temperatures will plunge as much as 15C (59F) across the UK, with the possibility of snow in hilly areas.
‘These changes do sometimes occur in spring, as we’re in the middle of winter and summer, but this is quite a high drop we will experience.’
Under current government lockdown rules the public are allowed out once a day for exercise and sunbathing is not allowed.
However in a highly anticipated address to the nation tomorrow night it is expected Boris Johnson will slightly ease some of the strict lockdown measures.
Families enjoying the sunshine in Richmond Park, London today, as the temperatures soar to highs of 26C today during the coronavirus lockdown
Many people were seen out sunbathing across the country today even though at the moment that is not allowed under lockdown rules
Under current government lockdown rules the public are allowed out once a day for exercise and sunbathing is not allowed. Pictured: people enjoying the sunshine in Hyde Park, London this morning
Two joggers wearing protective masks are out to enjoy the sunshine on Wimbledon Common during the bank holiday VE weekend
People enjoying the warm weather in Greenwich Park, London, as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus
Police in Hyde Park today. Ministers are struggling to maintain their ‘stay at home’ Covid-19 measures as the good weather tempts people to go outside
People taking pictures of the views of the City of London from a closed off viewing area in Greenwich Park, London, as the UK continues in lockdown to help curb the spread of the coronavirus
A large group of cyclists head through Hyde Park this morning as they enjoy yet another sunny day during the coronavirus lockdown
Temperatures are predicted to hit 26C (78.8F) as most of the country will bask in warm sunshine while London and the South East will be hotter than Ibiza and St Tropez. Pictured: a runner in Hyde Park, London this morning
Families took a seat by the harbour in Bristol after enjoying bicycle rides and walks around the city while temperatures soared across the country
A group of men sat on a bench in the shade looking at their phones in Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham. One man had his coat tied around his waist as the sun shone down
A lone beach-goer sat under an umbrella to shade herself from the sun in Eastbourne, southern England. All other huts on the seafront were still shut up
A runner in Canon Hill Park, Birmingham this morning. It is expected from next week that the exercise restrictions may be dropped
Walkers took to Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham to enjoy the hot temperatures on their daily essential exercise. This couple seemed in high spirits as they walked through the park
Couples sunbathed together on a near-deserted beach near the pier in Eastbourne, southern England as lockdown in Britain continued for another week
One dog cooled off in the water during the heat wave today in Hyde Park, London. It is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far
Two men abandon their bicycles behind them as they sit on the edge of the harbourside in Bristol. Behind them children wander along the pavement with their parents
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said: ‘Most of us will have some very warm and pleasant sunshine on Saturday, with London and the South East possibly surpassing the 26C (78.8F) mark, which would make it the hottest day of the year so far. Pictured: people enjoying the sunshine in Hyde Park
A man tries bike polo in Hyde Park. The hot weather comes as the public remain confused over the ‘stay at home’ message as exercise restrictions may be lifted for next week
The hot weather has led the Government to issue reminders to stay at home and obey social distancing rules amid fears people could flock to parks and beaches for days out. Pictured: Canon Hill Park, Birmingham today
Two people enjoy a work out in Richmond Park, south west London today as it is expected exercise restrictions will be lifted for next week
People enjoying the sunshine in Hyde Park today. The prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the public should stay at home to slow the Covid-19
A man sunbathes while on the phone in Richmond Park this morning. Under current guidelines, only one outing for exercise is allowed a day
Boris Johnson is tomorrow likely to emulate steps announced by Wales yesterday, where limits on outdoor exercise are being dropped
Police on horse back outside Buckingham Palace today. Police have tried to keep people from flouting lockdown rules during the pandemic
People enjoying the sunshine outside Buckingham Palace in London today. Many people will be keen to hear if exercise rules will be changed during the announcement tomorrow
People enjoy the warm weather on Paignton seafront in Devon today. Many people have been out and about to make the most of the sunshine
A police checkpoint is turning away cars trying to get into Brighton as bored families break coronavirus lockdown today
Britons flocked to parks and open spaces today to enjoy the bank holiday sunshine. Pictured are a group of runners in Hyde Park, London this morning
He is likely to emulate steps announced by Wales yesterday, where limits on outdoor exercise are being dropped. It comes as garden centres will be allowed to reopen next week as part of the country’s coronavirus exit plan.
They can let customers visit again from Wednesday provided strict social distancing and hygiene measures are in place, Government sources said.
Although Downing Street has been frantically playing down the scale of the changes to be announced tomorrow, it is thought Mr Johnson is set to drop the ‘stay at home’ slogan that many believe has been too successful in bringing the economy grinding to a halt.