Anger over 'large, drunk' groups congregating and ignoring social distancing in Ancoats

Photos showed crowds at Cutting Room Square

'Large, drunk' groups have been gathering in a square in Ancoats while ignoring social distancing rules, frustrated residents have said.

People living in the area have had enough and have shared photos from Cutting Room Square to show the extent of the problem.

Photos from Monday have shown people drinking while congregating in groups on benches and on the floor in the popular square.

A member of the public, who asked not to be named, said: "A number of bars and shops are now selling alcohol to crowds of people who are coming into cutting room square daily and gathering in large groups.

"Crowds are drunk, loud, blatantly and constantly breaching all COVID guidelines/rules/laws as publicised mixing from multiple households; and constant antisocial behaviour until late at night."

Others on social media also posted about it today.

Victoria tweeted: "Ancoats has been invaded by THE most antisocial group of kids I’ve ever seen in my life, there was 100s of them at one point."

While another, Emily Marshall, posted pictures of Cutting Room Square, saying: "What a mess in Cutting Room Square!"

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They expressed concerns about the lockdown flouters just weeks after Love Island stars Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury posted photos of crowds gathering in the same square on Instagram.

The couple, who live in lockdown together, posted video online of people milling around and sitting down together while soaking up the sun on VE Day.

In a post on her Instagram stories, Molly-Mae said: "I know it's VE Day and the weather is beautiful but the amount of people outside is actually insane considering we are still in a full lockdown."

Manchester boxer Tommy, who is Tyson Fury's brother, posted exploding head emojis with his video to express his frustration at the scenes.

Cutting Room Square wasn't the only place which was packed out during the Bank Holiday.

On Monday afternoon, the Manchester Evening News reported that large crowds were spotted at beaches and beauty spots.

Photos showed huge queues at the car parks at Formby Beach while around 30 people were seen jumping into the canal at Salford Quays.

Dovestone Reservoir was also packed full of people, according to eyewitnesses.