Police chief reveals 'naked men', fights and police assaults after pubs reopened

John Apter said it was ‘crystal clear’ revellers would not adhere to the one metre plus rule as restrictions were eased on Saturday.

Professor Chris Whitty said the pandemic ‘is a long way from gone’ and urged the public to follow social-distancing rules as pubs and restaurants reopened.

Revellers flocked to hotspots across Portsmouth with police patrolling locations and speaking to landlords and drinkers.

A group of rowdy men were asked to leave The Kings Pub in Albert Road after repeatedly failing to adhere to measures before they were moved on by police.

Hampshire police did not report any notable events in the city from ‘Super Saturday’ but did admit to a ‘busier’ night.

A spokeswoman said: ‘Officers across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were busier last night as local businesses reopened for the first time in three months.

‘We had prepared for this and had sufficient officers on duty within a wide range of teams to respond to incidents and emergencies. The vast majority of people out last night were sensible and enjoyed themselves.

‘We continue to have patrol plans in place throughout the two counties this weekend to ensure the easing of restrictions continues to be approached safely.’

Mr Apter, who was on shift in Southampton, said he dealt with ‘naked men, happy drunks, angry drunks, fights and more angry drunks’.

He said: ‘What was crystal clear is that drunk people can't/won't socially distance.

‘It was a busy night but the shift managed to cope. I know other areas have had issues with officers being assaulted.’

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the vast majority of people who went out on 'Super Saturday' were ‘doing the right thing’ and following social distancing.

Speaking on Sky's Ridge On Sunday, Mr Hancock said: ‘Well I think that from what I've seen, although there's some pictures to the contrary, very, very largely people have acted responsibly.’

He added: ‘So overall I'm pleased with what happened yesterday. It was really good to see people out and about and largely, very largely social distancing.’

Mr Hancock said ‘the large proportion of people, the vast majority of people are, I think, doing the right thing’.

He added: ‘But of course we'll take action when we need to when... if the minority break the rules.’

Prime minister Boris Johnson and government experts urged people to stick to the rules to avoid creating a second wave of coronavirus.

Speaking on Friday, Prof Whitty said: ‘None of us believe, and I'm sure nobody watching this believes, this is a risk-free next step. It is absolutely not, that is why we have to be really serious about it.

‘There's no doubt these are environments whose principal job it is to bring people together, that's a great thing to do socially but it's also a great thing from the virus's point of view.

‘Therefore, we do have to have a really clear and really disciplined approach to try and maintain social distancing whilst also enjoying pubs.’

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