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Police injured during Greatstone Beach party cook out near New Romney as Croydon jerk restaurant Boss Flavour admits it 'got out of hand'
14:19, 10 August 2020
updated: 19:38, 10 August 2020
Four police officers were injured as a huge beach party descended into chaos.
The 'cook out' - which took place at Greatstone beach near New Romney yesterday - has sparked outrage, not just at the lack of social distancing but also the disruption and mess caused by the party-goers.
During the event, organised by the Boss Flavour jerk restaurant in Croydon, it's been revealed that four officers sustained injuries.
In a statement released by Kent Police, the force writes: "At around 9pm there was a report of an altercation in a nearby car park.
"Four attending officers sustained injuries during the incident and were treated at the scene by the South East Coast Ambulance Service.
"A 29-year-old man from London was arrested."
The nature of the injuries and the circumstances under which they occurred were not divulged.
Footage shows bottles being thrown at officers as they slam a van's doors shut
Last night's gathering saw revellers journey to the quiet seaside town using three pre-booked coaches, however many more used minibuses and cars when all of the coach seats were sold.
Police and ambulance crews were aware of the pre-planned event but did not know its location. They soon arrived to try to maintain order and the public's health.
Earlier the organisers did admit the event "got out of hand" but denied doing anything illegal.
Social distancing laws mean gatherings of more than 30 people need to be approved, which the cook out was before police withdrew permission with 48 hours to go after learning three coach loads of revellers were set to attend.
Everyone paid £27.54 for a ticket but organiser Orette Williams said the money was to cover the three coach-loads of people who attended the event and the company gave out food free of charge.
The cook out was initially planned to take place in Camber, East Sussex, but was blocked by Sussex Police.
Kent Police’s deputy area commander for East Kent, Superintendent Simon Thompson, said: "Our officers responded to calls regarding a large group of people on Greatstone beach and remained in the area throughout the day to ensure those gathering were following guidelines.
"Our beaches, parks and town centres have been busier since the easing of lockdown restrictions and while the majority of visitors are following guidance to help control the spread of the virus we will continue to attend incidents where members of the public are not adhering to those safety measures.
"We work with the local authority, who has responsibility for the management of beaches, to ensure that coastal areas remain safe and pleasant places for both residents and visitors.
"We will not tolerate reports of anti-social behaviour.
"The risk of spreading Covid-19 remains and it is important that anyone visiting Kent’s beaches, parks and outdoor spaces adhere to the guidance and keep a safe distance from other and help to prevent spreading the virus.
"Anyone planning an event that would bring large numbers of people to one place should consider the implications and be mindful of the considerable impact this could have on the local community.
"Kent Police continues to investigate the circumstances of this altercation in order to establish whether any further offences have been committed. Anyone who witnessed anything or has information and has not yet been in touch should call us with information."
Folkestone and Hythe District Council have also hit out at the event.
Cllr David Monk, leader, said: “This gathering was arranged at short notice with the details withheld from us and police colleagues.
"There were no mixed signals. No permission was granted by the council for this gathering or for the use of its land. The council was not in direct contact with the organiser before the event took place.
"Some of the online speculation about the gathering is both inaccurate and unhelpful, but the sheer amount of rubbish left behind is disgusting.
"Our waste crews have been on site all morning and continue to work hard to clean the area. We would also like to thank members of the local community for mucking in to help clean up.
"We’ve already made contact with the organiser to discuss the consequences of this gathering and we are considering legal action."
Later, video footage emerged of a police officer being mowed down by a car during the event.
Anyone with information is asked to call 01843 222289 quoting reference 09-0593.
