FIREFIGHTERS were called to extinguish a “campfire” set up by Covid rule-flouters on Hove beach.

Police enforcing lockdown restrictions came across men sitting on a large blanket watching wooden pallets on fire at about 3.45pm.

Witnesses on Western Esplanade say one rule-breaker told officers “it’s only a fire” after being told the sunset gathering was against coronavirus restrictions.

The Argus:

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it was called at 4pm to extinguish the flames.

“By their gesticulations, they were trying to tell the police they were doing nothing wrong and were not happy being told to move on,” said a beachgoer.

Pictures from the scene show the moment a firefighter used a hose reel to extinguish the impromptu campfire.

The country is currently under strict “stay at home” restrictions in an effort to curb the spread of a new, more transmissible variant of coronavirus.

You must not leave, or be outside of your home except where necessary. You may leave the home to:

  • Shop for basic necessities, for you or a vulnerable person
  • Go to work, or provide voluntary or charitable services, if you cannot reasonably do so from home exercise with your household (or support bubble) or one other person (in which case you should stay 2m apart). Exercise should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
  • Meet your support bubble or childcare bubble where necessary, but only if you are legally permitted to form one
  • Seek medical assistance or avoid injury, illness or risk of harm (including domestic abuse)
  • Attend education or childcare - for those eligible