A BEACH brawl erupted yesterday as up to 200 sunbathers fought in front of horrified families.
Police rushed to the sea front beauty spot at Orcombe Point, Devon after a neighbourhood officer spotted the youths fighting on a day when Brits packed out beaches nationwide.
Cops raced to the scene just before 7pm yesterday but it is not clear if any arrests were made.
Witnesses alleged the group were partying, swearing and taking drugs from 4pm onwards.
A mum who witnessed the brawl said: "It was absolutely shocking behaviour. I witnessed the fights between 5pm and 7.45pm, I am literally lost for words.
"As we were leaving my son got knocked into while they were fighting in massive groups! Would easily say 200 people plus it was as horrendous."
Another witness moved from the beach as it started to get "uncomfortable."
They added: "It started to get busy around 4pm with people gathering together, partying, doing drugs and swearing.
"The police started coming down shortly after a couple fights had happened."
Police issued a dispersal notice meaning anyone who was asked to leave must not return until at least 7am tomorrow.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokeswoman said: "It’s believed that there were a number of fights within this altercation and was further reported that there had been anti-social behaviour seen during the course of the afternoon.
"A number of units attended the beach and sea front where a dispersal notice was put in place by police and will remain until Friday morning, in order to reduce the likelihood of recurring incidents.
"A small number of people had to be dispersed by officers whilst the majority dispersed of their own accord."
Devon MP Simon Jupp said everyone including parents "must take responsibility for our actions and use a bit of common sense."
He branded the incident "appalling" and warned "it is not the time" for mass gatherings.
Coronavirus restrictions still mean that only six people from different households can meet up and mass gatherings are illegal.
But Brits packed out beaches yesterday across the country as temperatures soared to a sweltering 31 degrees and a major incident was declared today in Bournemouth after "appalling" crowds flocked to its seafront.
One beach-goer forced to leave Exmouth beach because it was too busy reported "huge crowds as if there was some sort of festival."
The Met Office issued a level 2 heat alert meaning the weather could increase health risks to vulnerable patients.
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