Groups of people flocked to a green on the hottest day of the year - but a "large number" were reported to police for allegedly not social distancing.

With temperatures reaching 28C yesterday, sunseekers headed outside to enjoy the warm weather in Watford Heath after the Government eased lockdown rules.

The eased restrictions means people can spend as much time as they want outside, as long as social distancing rules are followed.

People are also allowed to see one other person from a different household in an open public space as long as they are two meters apart.

But Hertfordshire Constabulary says it received multiple reports yesterday that a large number of people had gathered in Watford Heath and that social distancing measures were not being correctly followed.

Watford Observer:

Video grab of people basking in the sun in Watford Heath. Photo: UGC

A video, seen by the Watford Observer, showed groups of adults within close proximity of each other - although it is not clear whether these adults live together. 

The county's police force said officers attended to remind people of the Government guidance - and that the majority of those gathered left the area "without issue".

A spokesperson said: "We received multiple calls yesterday reporting that a large number of people had gathered in Watford Heath and that social distancing measures were not being correctly followed.

Watford Observer:

People are allowed to relax outdoors, but only with people they live with. Photo: UGC

"Officers attended to remind people of the Government guidance, which remains in place to help save lives. The majority of those gathered left the area without issue."

Meanwhile, police in North Devon said roads to the area's beaches were "gridlocked" yesterday despite pleas to the public from councils who advise against travelling to the south west.

Watford Observer:

People appeared to be queueing in Watford Heath yesterday. Photo: UGC

Officers in Ilfracombe and Braunton said they had identified vehicles from "all over the country" in the local area.

One officer said "valuable resources" were being used to marshal traffic, adding that elderly people in the area would be "very anxious over the selfish actions of these individuals".