Outrage as teenage gathering on Southsea Common during coronavirus lockdown 'puts lives at risk'

Pictures taken yesterday afternoon show a group of more than 30 teenagers congregating on Southsea Common.

Under the government’s coronavirus lockdown guidelines, individuals can only meet up with one other person outside their household.

This blatant disregard for social distancing has been met with outrage.

Leader of Portsmouth City Council, Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, has warned that these teenagers are ‘putting other people’s lives at risk’.

He said: ‘These teenagers might catch coronavirus from one of their mates, who have shown no symptoms, and they might not display any symptoms either.

‘But then they go back home, and give it to their parents and grandparents – suddenly the situation is much more serious.

‘I understand teenagers not wanting to be stuck at home, but we’ve all got to take some responsibility during this pandemic.’

Rebecca Johns, 47, lives near Clarence Pier.

Her concerns are not only that these teenagers are spreading the virus, but also leaving their rubbish behind – with bins across the seafront overflowing with waste this morning.

‘I wonder if their parents know where they were,’ she said.

‘I went for a run this morning and it’s all anyone is talking about.

‘In this past week it’s the worst things have been since lockdown began.

‘Social distancing is being completely ignored and there is so much rubbish – it’s absolutely appalling.’

Janine Sanger, Response and Patrol Inspector for Hampshire Constabulary, said: 'Our officers were on patrol at Southsea Common yesterday as part of their patrol plans, where we continued to engage, explain the circumstances and encourage members of the public to adhere to the government’s guidance.

'In doing so, our officers engaged with a group of teenagers who had gathered on the common. We took steps to explain the circumstance and the importance of following government guidance, and as such the group responded to our officers by dispersing from the common.

'It’s important to remember that as many of us are now able to spend much more time outdoors, that we all take on personal responsibility for doing that within the restrictions set out by the government.'

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