Groups 'of up to 30 people' spotted meeting up on Plymouth Hoe

Groups of 10 or 12 people are photographed sitting in the sunshine as the lockdown crumbles

A shocked bystander has claimed that groups of up to 30 people are meeting on the Hoe in breach of social distancing guidelines.

She photographed several large gatherings on the grass in the sunshine last night as the Government’s coronavirus lockdown measures start to crumble.

The woman, who dose not want to be named, said that one of the groups had more than 30 people and others had between 10 and 20.

She added: “None of the larger groups were social distancing. I doubt they all live in massive houses that would accommodate this, especially as a lot of our students living in digs went home at the request of the university at the beginning of lockdown.

“I think people have had enough and with the absence of any enforcement, the police have been fighting a losing battle, I think. We are possibly heading for more cases here in Plymouth.”

The woman said that most of the groups were made up of people in their late teens and early 20s when she took the photographs at about 7.30pm on Tuesday.

The Government eased lockdown restrictions earlier this month, allowing people to drive farther and spend more time outdoors.

Temperatures have soared causing people to flock to the coasts, packing beaches last week in Southend and Bournemouth.

Photographs from the Hoe also appear to show a gathering of a large group of teenagers in the sun on Sunday afternoon.

The group of around a dozen lads were seen blasting music on the city's seafront.

Police were called to several gatherings over the long weekend, the start of the school half-term holiday.

Two officers attended a planned live-music event with 25 to 30 people at a car park in Mainstone on Monday.

They did not send anyone home nor enforce government guidance, which stipulates that people must not mingle in groups to minimise the spread of coronavirus.

Police have now said the advice was “not lawful” and said the officers would receive “advice and training”.

Officers also attended a wake with people gathered at Mount Wise on Sunday afternoon.

Members of the public complained to say that the group, including children, were enjoying a noisy party with music.

Police spoke to the group but allowed the event to continues, saying the group was being “respectful”.

We now have a free app and here's how to download it

Sign up to our newsletters for all the latest near you

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced changes to the coronavirus restrictions from May 13 which police said undermined their enforcement powers.