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Police respond to huge 'beach cookout' event on Greatstone beach, New Romney
16:47, 09 August 2020
updated: 22:42, 09 August 2020
Police are responding to a huge gathering on a Kent beach.
Greatstone beach near New Romney is the venue of a 'beach cookout' which has been organised by Croydon jerk eatery Flavour Boss.
Ahead of the event, the organiser hired three coaches to take revellers to the Kent coast which were all sold-out.
Video shared on his Facebook appears to show no masks being worn on one of the transports as they prepared to make the journey.
The location was kept secret until last night, when it was shared on his Snapchat story along with a postcode.
Alongside the advertisements was a warning not to share the event on social media.
Initially the gathering was supposed to be held in Camber, but the plans were changed when the information was leaked.
Police have been responding, with the organiser sharing a video from inside a police van.
Videos from yesterday show large quantities of drink being made and put into bottles, while today's gathering has driven some families away from the area.
One beach-goer said: "It was enough to force me and family, as well as other families off the beach, no social distancing.
"I have nothing against a gathering per se, and whilst it was good natured, it wasn't a place for families."
A resident added there are two coaches from Watford parked up in Madeira Road and minibuses parked up in Baldwin Road, suggesting party-goers had been using additional transport to attend.
He also suggested a bus owned by a London borough council had been used as transportation.
Witnesses said huge crowds remained on the beach past 10pm.
One said: "Just come thru Greatstone, unbelievable scenes, chaos on the road, police everywhere."
A Kent Police spokesman said: "Kent Police is aware that a large group of people attended the Greatstone beach area at around 3.30pm on Sunday 9 August 2020.
"Officers are engaging with those in attendance and reminding them of the latest government advice around social distancing while also encouraging them to take personal responsibility for adhering to it.
"Officers will remain in the area as part of their patrols."