'Around 30 people' have been spotted gathering at Salford Quays climbing up the bridge and jumping in the canal, according to eyewitnesses.
New footage has emerged appearing to show a huge gathering at Salford Quays Detroit Bridge this afternoon (May 25) despite lockdown restrictions still being in force.
Eyewitnesses say that people at the gathering have been sunbathing, climbing the bridge and jumping into the Manchester Ship Canal throughout the afternoon.
The gathering has been reported to the police, but eyewitnesses say the group has 'tripled in size' in the hours between the hours of 1.30pm and 5pm.
A hospitality worker who lives nearby spotted the group and said it was 'upsetting' to see the social distancing guidelines being flouted so brazenly.
The 22-year-old, who wished not to be named, said: "It’s really annoying! There’s a few large groups around here not even attempting to stick to distancing.
"There’s a large group climbing up the side of the bridge and jumping from it I’d say there’s around 30 of them together.
"We’ve sent a report through to GMP but the group seems to just be expanding."
The 22-year-old lives with a friend from university and says they were out for a walk together when they saw the group.
Both say they fear that incidents like this will make it harder for them to see their loved ones as lockdown may continue for longer: "There was a small group when we first passed them at around 1:30pm, we reported it between 2:30 to 3pm after we saw the group pretty much triple in size.
"Neither of us are originally from Manchester and haven’t seen our families since February so seeing groups like this is really upsetting as it probably means we won’t get to see them for even longer."
Earlier this month, outrage was sparked on social media when another large group were gathered at the quays, spotted drinking champagne and playing loud music.
Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for comment.
