Police tipped over a BBQ and poured ice water over it as a 20-strong group, including toddlers, flouted the Government's strict lockdown rules.
The Prime Minister has banned public gatherings of more than two people, and shut all non-essential shops to combat the coronavirus.
At least 422 people in the UK have now died after contracting Covid-19.
Yet despite the Government's clear message, a group of more than 20 people decided to hold a barbecue in the nice weather yesterday.
The gathering even included a toddler and revellers in their 60s, despite elderly people being far more vulnerable to the killer virus.
West Midlands Police said neighbourhood officers were on duty in Foleshill, Coventry, when they discovered the group of more than 20 people ignoring the lockdown.
They protested when the police told them their behaviour was unacceptable and refused to disperse prompting the police to tip the barbecue over.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: “Despite the Government’s clear social distancing instruction last night our officers today found a group of 20 people ignoring the lockdown and tucking into a barbecue.
“Neighbourhood officers were on patrol in Foleshill Road, Coventry, just after 2pm when they smelt food cooking and smoke rising near flats in Culworth Court.
“They were shocked to find a group of around 20 people, including a toddler and people estimated to be in their 60s, freely mingling and standing shoulder-to-shoulder around a buffet.
“Old and young gathered at a barbecue in total disregard of social distancing instructions.”
The spokesman added: “Our officers told the group it was unacceptable and they needed to adhere to social distancing guidelines to help slow down the spread of coronavirus.
“Despite the warning the group refused and began protesting they should be allowed to continue their barbecue.
“One woman shouted “my children need to eat” but could not explain why she wasn’t cooking for them at home in her kitchen.
“Our officers were forced to tip the barbecue over as the defiant group initially refused to leave.
“In the end our officers felt they needed to end the gathering by tipping over the barbecue and insisting the group dispersed to their homes.”
The force spokesman warned it would be enforcing the lockdown.
They said: “It’s vital everyone follows the new lockdown instructions; they are essential and it will save lives.
“Our officers and PCSOs will be out and about in communities and speaking - from a distance of two metres - with anyone we suspect is breaching the new regulations.
“If people do not listen to our advice then we will move to enforcement – and our Chief Constable has vowed that we will target the most problematic behaviour.”
Furious Brits slammed the selfish revellers, while applauding the strong actions by the cops to break up the barbecue.
On Facebook, Louise Wilson said: "I'm ashamed that some people from Coventry behaved like this, this is an emergency lockdown not an extended bank holiday.
"I'm glad the police knocked the barbecue over and dispersed them.
"However it shows the levels of selfishness alive and flourishing in this city."
Linda Morris blasted: "Should we really be surprised.
"They will be in hospital before you know it and our hard working friends will be trying to save their lives."
Parm Bilkhu added: "Well done to the police for knocking over the barbecue.
"That's a master stroke, love it. Well done and keep up the good work."
Kieran Bolton added: "If you can't make a small sacrifice for the greater good of others - well there's a word for that. Selfish."
Sarah Oldham raged: "Absolutely speechless, what a group of inconsiderate individuals.
"If this is what the NHS and other emergency services are up against then what chance have we got.
"Totally disrespectful."
