London park forced to close after 3,000 ignore coronavirus lockdown and cops break up 18th birthday party

THOUSANDS of Brits ignored the strict lockdown rules yesterday to sunbathe during a mini heatwave, forcing a park in London to close.

Police in the UK capital were also forced to break up an 18th birthday attended by 25 guests who flouted the social distancing guidelines set out by the government amid the coronavirus outbreak.

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Brockwell Park will shut today after 3,000 people descended on the green space - despite the UK's chief nurse begging Brits to stay at home in memory of two hero nurses who lost their lives fighting coronavirus.

In a tweet, Lambeth Council said locals had ignored "clear instructions" and the council would shut Brockwell Park tomorrow "for the wider safety of the public".

Pictures show people clearly ignoring social distancing guidelines and sunbathing, some in large groups.

HOUSE PARTY BUSTED

And police in Newham, East London, busted a birthday party ordering some 25 guests to go home, tweeting: "This family thought law relating to social distancing shouldn’t apply to 18th birthday parties. 25 guests moved on."

In Clapham Common, police were seen reminding groups of sunbathing Brits of their social distancing responsibilities.

SUNBATHERS ORDERED HOME

The Rickmansworth Aquadrome in Hertfordshire was also forced to close its car park.

Surrey Road Police also shared a shocking video of Richmond Bridge in West London packed with people out walking along the Thames.

In a tweet, they urged Brits to "PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stay at home."

Police were also out in force in Brighton in case Brits descend on the seaside town to enjoy the mini heatwave.

In Regents Park, cyclists were snapped riding close together in the sunshine against government advice to keep 2m apart.

Groups of people could also be seen running and stretching their legs in the busy central London park as temperatures rise to 20C today.

In Paddington, a group of men were pictured working out in a tight-knit group while others, who appeared to be personal trainers, gave them advice.

Some were seen using resistance bands anchored to a wall without gloves on.

Police also now have the power to issue on-the-spot fines of £30 for meeting under the new legislation.

Those who keep disobeying can be arrested and locked up.

The CPS also said they would prosecute people who coughed on or at emergency service staff during the crisis.

Doing so against emergency workers would be punishable by up to a year in prison, while coughs directed as a threat towards other key workers or members of the public could be charged as common assault.

Chief nurse Ruth May yesterday pleaded with the public not to leave their homes in honour of Aimee O’Rourke, 38, and Areema Nasreen, 36, who sadly passed away after treating coronavirus patients on the frontline.

Two other healthcare assistants have also died in the last two days - with nine medics in total now killed by the virus.

Ms May told the nation: "This weekend is going to be very warm and it’s going to be very tempting to go out and enjoy those rays but I ask you to remember Aimee and Areema, please stay at home for them."

Boris Johnson also urged Brits to not go out and enjoy the sunshine this weekend as he revealed he was staying in isolation because he is still sick with coronavirus.

Britain is set for a mini April heatwave with temperatures up to 20C.

But Boris said: "I just want to say one crucial thing, to everybody thinking about this weekend and what may be some fine weather.

"I reckon a lot of people will be starting to think that this is all going on for quite a long time and they'd rather be getting out.

"Everyone may be getting a bit stir crazy.

"There may be a temptation to get out there and hang out and start to break the regulations.

"I just urge you, not to do that.

"Please, please, stick with the guidance now."