VODKA bottles, laughing gas canisters and balloons were among the items left strewn across Hove Lawns after hundreds of youngsters gathered on the green last night.
Sussex Police were forced to issue a dispersal order after responding to reports of "a large group of youths gathered".
Police cars and vans lined the lawns, and a large line of officers formed a perimeter along the northern edge of the grass.
READ MORE: Fights break out among gathering of youths on Hove Lawns>>>
The force was called at 8pm and arrived to a volley of chanting from the youths, a witness said.
He said: "There are ten police cars and all the kids are walking around shouting at police – it’s like football chants.
"All the police have pulled up and are walking along trying to get them to move."
It was also reported that "pockets" of violence had broken out between some of those present.
READ MORE: Police statement on Hove Lawns gathering reveals no arrests were made>>>
Another described the scene as "pure mayhem" with "a stand-off between hundreds of youths and police".
Eventually, the gathering was dispersed, but the event left its mark on the lawns.
Large clumps of litter were left scattered across the grass, with alcohol bottles, juice cartons, a football and clothing being just some of the items left behind.
One passerby described the site as having been "trashed".
Councillor Chris Henry, who sits in the Westbourne ward which includes a stretch of Hove seafront, argued that the incident showed the importance of not leaving youngsters behind as the UK made plans to exit lockdown.
He said: "Let’s not leave our young people behind in the Covid recovery plans.
"It’s understandable that they’re bored and missing their friends, so we need to ensure their safety and develop activities for young adults so that police and the local community can focus on real crime and staying safe from Covid.
"Hove Lawns tonight shows how badly solutions for young people are needed and how youth services are needed more than ever."
With temperatures skyrocketing yesterday, hitting 29C at their peak, many people chose to travel to Brighton and Hove to enjoy the sunshine.
READ MORE: Hot weather to continue until Friday with heatwave warning in place>>>
Large groups of people were seen streaming off trains at the city's railway station and making their way down Queen's Road, towards the seafront.
This followed an announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday, in which he detailed further lockdown rules which will come into effect on July 4.
These include the two metre rule being scrapped for a "one metre plus" alternative and the likes of hairdressers, pubs, museums and more being allowed to reopen.
But current government advice still urges people to maintain social distancing rules.
It states: "You can spend time outdoors, including exercise, as often as you wish.
"This must be with people you live with or, if applicable, from June 13, your support bubble, or in a gathering of up to six, which can include people from outside your household.
"You should keep two metres apart from people not in your household or support bubble at all times.
"You should continue to avoid public transport other than for essential journeys so should make journeys by cycling, walking or driving in a private vehicle where possible.
"You may travel to outdoor publicly accessible open spaces irrespective of distance with people in your household, and from June 13, your support bubble, but should follow social distancing guidance while you are there.
"You should plan ahead to ensure that, where you are visiting places like National Parks, beaches or zoos, you have checked that they are open and appropriately prepared for visitors.
"Many other outdoor venues where there is a higher risk of close contact and touching surfaces will remain closed as set out in the law.
"Campsites will remain closed and you are not allowed to stay away overnight, so should allow enough time to return home."
A "support bubble" can be formed with one other household by people who live alone or are single parents with dependant children.
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