Yahoo News Police called after 'around 500' Londoners storm lido in heatwave as waiting time 'topped three hours'
Police were called to an outdoor swimming pool in south London on Thursday after hordes of people tried to force their way in.
Around 500 Londoners attempted to storm Brockwell Lido during the record-breaking heat.
Tempers flared around midday when waiting times topped three hours.
At around 1.30pm, a new July record temperature of 36.9C (98.4F) was set at Heathrow Airport.
Very cross could not get into the lido for my pilates class. Lack of foresight and planning meant police were called @Brockwell_Lido security also gave me wrong information let others in and not me. pic.twitter.com/gMNSKrYoDc
— Mary Atkins (@MaryAtkLabour) July 25, 2019
The Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called to Brockwell Lido to reports of overcrowding.
“Officers attended. Security staff at the lido have closed the doors as a group of 500 people are trying to get in.
“The owners of the venue are advising people not to come as there is a three-hour waiting time.”
Gauri Kangai posted a picture of the fracas on Twitter with the words “No City for Keeping Cool”.
She added: “Raises (questions) about design in cities for extreme climate instances like today.”
There were similar scenes elsewhere in the capital, with Parliament Hill Lido forced to refuse further entry just before noon due to overcrowding.
Current queue. All the way to the train station. If you are not already there - not advised. #lido #hampsteadheath @CityCorpHeath pic.twitter.com/sMDQMEkaZW
— ParliHill Swimmers (@LidoPh) July 25, 2019
Police were repeatedly forced to attend Brockwell Lido after fights broke out in the queue, and eventually the Met decided to leave an officer effectively on guard to prevent any more disruption.
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The force said: “Officers were first called to the venue at 09.49am when a number of minor scuffles broke out as swimmers queued to enter the lido.
“Further incidents of disorder broke out throughout the day.”
A spokeswoman said there had been no arrests or any reported injuries, but added: “Police remain in attendance to prevent a breach of the peace.”
No City for Keeping Cool. Scenes at Brockwell Lido and not an 8th of it (mainly families with suffering kids). Raises q about design in cities for extreme climate instances like today. Not everyone has a private Soho House pool, or even a Lido on their doorstep.🤔 #londonheatwave pic.twitter.com/olmc0eQPVH
— Gauri Kangai (@gaurikangai) July 25, 2019
In the south-west, Portishead Lido in Bristol warned those hoping to cool off of very long queues.
Staff posted on Twitter: “Be prepared for a long wait, and there’s no shade.
“Bring water, snacks, folding chairs, sunscreen, a hat and some patience and humour.”
Lidos in Peterborough, London’s Tooting Bec and at Hemsley in York were also forced to turn away disappointed swimmers after reaching capacity.
