Police fear a summer of disorder as warm weather and the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions create a “perfect storm” for trouble.
Officers are braced for a surge in violence when pubs in England reopen next Saturday, dubbed “Independence Day”. The warnings follow a series of mass gatherings around Britain which flouted social-distancing rules as the sun shone and temperatures soared this week.
Dorset Police declared a major incident after thousands flocked to Bournemouth. A mass brawl broke out among youngsters at Ogmore-by-Sea, South Wales.
And 22 police were hurt when an outdoor party in South London turned violent. Experts feared the gatherings could unleash a fresh wave of Covid-19 infections.