IT WAS mission accomplished for police as the seafront was left with just a handful of people.
But it was not an easy task for Brighton and Hove officers as they faced a backlash from some beach-goers as they tried to encourage people to follow social distancing guidelines.
Several people sitting on the seafront reacted aggressively when asked to move along by officers.
The force shared concerns that "the number of people along Brighton beach exercising is increasing" shortly after 9am today.
Police have been patrolling the promenade all day to encourage residents to follow the Government's guidelines and they used a van with a loudspeaker to spread their message as people were drawn to the beach by the sunny weather.
One group who had been sunbathing on Hove beach took offence to police requests to move on, protesting for several minutes.
After a heated exchange, the trio eventually moved on.
But it appeared to be a job well done by Brighton bobbies as the force shared a photo of a sparsely populated seafront shortly before 4.30pm.
The caption read: “It’s really great to see quiet beaches and seafronts across Sussex. Please keep following social distancing guidelines. Enjoy your daily exercise but keep it short and keep it local.”
- The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund
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