LONDON, England (AP) — Police around the southern English coastal town of Bournemouth urged people to stay away yesterday as thousands defied coronavirus social distancing rules and flocked to local beaches on what is the UK's hottest day of the year so far.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council said services were “completely overstretched” as people sought the sanctuary of the seaside on a day meteorologists confirmed as the hottest of 2020.

Roads, which were gridlocked into the early hours, now have signs telling people the area is full, according to the council.

“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,” she said.

“Clearly we are still in a public health crisis and such a significant volume of people heading to one area places a further strain on emergency services resources,” said Dorset Police's Sam de Reya.