Huge park crowds condemned by police and First Minister

Huge crowds of people who gathered in a Glasgow park on the hottest day of the year have been condemned by the First Minister and police.

Nicola Sturgeon said the scenes at Kelvingrove Park as temperatures hit 28C risked causing a “coronavirus resurgence”.

Police were called just after 6pm and tried to disperse hundreds of people, many of whom were drinking.

While lockdown continues to ease in Scotland, two-metre social-distancing guidelines remain in place.

Sturgeon said on Twitter: “Crowded places risk a resurgence of COVID – and risk lives.

“I understand the desire to enjoy the hot weather – but please don’t jeopardise our progress. Follow the rules – they’re for the protection of you and your loved ones.

“My thanks to Police Scotland for helping keep us safe.”

Two men were arrested for disorder, but police said they didn’t declare a major incident.

Inspector Lesley Docherty, of Partick police office, said: “Officers attended Kelvingrove Park because a large number of people were congregating in the park, mainly drinking alcohol in contravention of local bylaws.

“We stopped large groups entering the park. Two men were arrested in connection with disorder offences.

“The chief constable has made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives by preventing the (corona)virus from spreading.”