Coronavirus Kent: Dartford parkgoers 'abuse' man who told them to respect social distancing rules
19:28, 13 April 2020
updated: 19:37, 13 April 2020
A group of people playing in a park reportedly abused an old man who told them to leave for ignoring social distancing rules.
The incident is said to have taken place in Hesketh Park in Dartford this afternoon.
A witness described the actions as "disgraceful" as the man confronted them for breaching the government guidance.
She said he was subjected to abuse and "swearing" when he said they should not be in the playground areas of the park.
"It was quite shocking," she said. "There were three adult males. I couldn't really see the third as he was behind the climbing frame and there were some very young children and then three teenagers.
"I think the groups were separate but it was the adult males that were goading the old man who was trying to tell them it wasn't safe to be in the park and that they should leave.
"They were laughing and swearing at him. I arrived as he was walking off in the other direction."
Government advice tells people to stay away from equipment and gathering in groups in parks.
The pictures have been shared on Twitter with Dartford police - who yesterday said they were patrolling in Central Park to ensure the government advice on lockdown were being followed.
They posted photographs showing an empty park with the caption: "Nice to see people adhering to the government restrictions #StayHomeSaveLives"
The country's First Secretary, Dominic Raab, today issued a stark reminder of the importance of following the rules to save lives.
He also said a decision on extending the lockdown was not likely to be made this week until after new data is analysed.
