Thousands flocked to the beach in the popular coastal town of Bournemouth on Thursday as authorities declared a "major incident" over what they called the irresponsible behaviour of crowds who had ignored public health guidance on the coronavirus and badly overstretched local services.

The declaration came after visitors arrived in huge numbers in a spell of hot weather, resulting in gridlock on the roads, illegal overnight camping, excessive waste, and alcohol-fuelled fights.

Other beach towns like Brighton experienced similar crowding as residents flocked to the coast to escape a heatwave. Aerial footage showed the extent of the crowding along the coast of several beaches.

Social distancing measures have been in place in Britain since March to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, although the rules are due to be significantly relaxed from July 4.

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