Sky News viewers were outraged after seeing two "idiots" harassing a correspondent giving a live TV report in Preston.
The two men were grinning inanely as they jumped right up behind the reporter and got out their phones to take pictures, ignoring social distancing in the process.
Extra restrictions have been imposed on Preston after Covid-19 infections rose in the city last week.
The Sky News reporter had been addressing the effect it had had on the city when his broadcast was interrupted by a man who popped up right behind him, brandishing his phone.
As he tried to continue speaking, the man yelled out repeatedly to his mates: "I'm on TV, I'm on f***ing TV!"
Another man joined him, laughing as the reporter glanced over at them.
And while they were clearly impressed with themselves, viewers were emphatically not.
One tweeted: "Idiots like this guy embarrassing Lancashire since about 1994 (at a guess). Imagine still not understanding social distancing and then swearing on sky news while wearing a tracksuit ♀️ #Preston #skynews."
While another commented: "Wonder why the R rate is high in Preston,, idiots like these breathing down over your face #norespect #Preston #skynews."
A third simply wrote in exasperation: " Welcome to #Preston @SkyNews #prestonlockdown."
"And people wonder why Preston is in Lockdown. I think they p****s on Sky News just show you why," another remarked.
One fumed: "Lock em down! "Can you see me on TV init. Can you see me"... #COVIDIDIOTS in Preston as the chavs ruin a Sky News bit about coronavirus. Lock them down!"
