BREAKING: Police move in to break-up Teddington beach party
Police were called into Teddington Lock this afternoon to stop teenagers from leaping from the foot bridge into the river.
At one stage over 20 uniformed police officers crossed the bridge, opposite the Anglers Pub, to try to disperse the sunbathers - mostly teenagers - jammed 'beach' area and used plastic bags to pick up cans and bottles.
Youngsters had been queuing up to jump yesterday despite warnings about hidden debris in the water.
Police arrived on a blue light again tonight at 7pm following further reports of jumping from the bridge as early evening temperatures remained in the late 20's.
At least six uniformed police officers kept a close watch from the Teddington side of the bridge near the Anglers pub as well as patrolling the bridge itself.
Earlier hundreds of sunbathers crammed on to the small area of beach and swimmers dived into the water from the wooden pontoons during soaring temperatures which reached over 32 degrees.
At 4.05 the police moved on to the 'beach' area and urged the sunbathers to disperse. They used plastic bags to collect discarded cans and bottles.
One police officer said :"This is just sheer stupidity."
The RNLI in Teddington are also urging people to stay vigilant and safe today.
The said: "Please take extra care during this heatwave.
"The water may seem tempting but it can be very dangerous."
The advice comes after they were called out to the river at 11pm on Tuesday evening with reports of a person in the river near Kingston Bridge
No one was found however despite the 32 degree heat expected again today it is important to stay safe by the river.
Staying safe is particularly important after yesterday when a man tragically lost his life further down the river near Cookham in Berkshire.
The river is also especially popular at the moment with swimming pools remaining closed for the foreseeable future due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus.
The Port of London has also released guidelines to help rowers and paddlers stay safe on the river.
The advice includes wearing life jackets and avoiding mixing drinking and boating.
The river is there to be enjoyed but has to be used responsibly.
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