Beaches across the UK were left strewn with tonnes of rubbish after sun-starved Brits flocked to the coastline during the lockdown heatwave.
Shocking pictures showed plastic bags, broken bottles, nappies, and takeaway wrappers scattered across the country's pristine beaches.
Brighton Beach, Tynemouth and Ogmore by Sea in Wales were just some of the locations struggling to deal with mounds of waste left by inconsiderate beach-goers.
Some clean up teams started on Thursday night after crowds began to disappear in a bid to stop the waste being swept out to sea, reports Chronicle Live.
Temperatures reached in excess of 30 degrees in some areas for the second day in a row with a surging crowd at Bournemouth Beach prompting the local council to declare a major incident.
Britain remains in a state of partial lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic- but this did not deter people from heading to the seaside.
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Groups of no more than six people from different households are allowed to meet outdoors so long as they observe social distancing.
There were also a number of incidents reported which involved excessive alcohol and fighting in many areas - with additional police patrols and security being put into place.
Footage of youths fighting at King Edward's Bay in North Tyneside circulated on Facebook as residents were left fuming as a day of fun in the sun spiralled out of control.
Pictures also showed a disturbance near Brighton's promenade as police were forced to intervene in an alleged brawl between two men.
The leader of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council was disgusted by the behaviour of "irresponsible" beach-goers who had littered the area.
Vikki Slade said: "We are absolutely appalled at the scenes witnessed on our beaches, particularly at Bournemouth and Sandbanks, in the last 24 to 48 hours.
"The irresponsible behaviour and actions of so many people is just shocking and our services are stretched to the absolute hilt trying to keep everyone safe."
The council confirmed it had issued 558 parking enforcement fines in a 24-hour period, a record for authorities.
They also responded to reports of cars parking illegally and causing an obstruction, while roads in and out of the area were heavily congested into the early hours.
Crews also reportedly received widespread abuse and intimidation as they attempted to empty overflowing bins on the seafront.
Downing Street reminded the public that if breaching of social distancing goes on, the lockdown could be ramped up again.
A government source said: "It's only because of the public's hard work that we've been able to bring the virus under control.
Chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty later urged people to follow social distancing rules in the hot weather or risk causing a spike in coronavirus.
He wrote on Twitter : “Covid-19 has gone down due to the efforts of everyone but is still in general circulation.
“If we do not follow social distancing guidance then cases will rise again."
