Police were made aware of ‘Hokey Cokey’ gathering in Hastings park

Police were made aware of a gathering in a Hastings park which saw dozens of people holding hands and doing the Hokey Cokey.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Footage from Alexandra Park showed men, women and children joining in a large circle on Sunday morning (March 14).

Over the weekend, Sussex Police said there was no record of officers being specifically called to the scene.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, on Monday (March 15), a spokesman said police ‘were made aware’ of a gathering of around 40 people in Alexandra Park.

Alexandra Park, Hastings SUS-210314-162152001Alexandra Park, Hastings SUS-210314-162152001
Alexandra Park, Hastings SUS-210314-162152001

The spokesman added: “Officers attended to engage with those present, explaining the government’s coronavirus regulations and encouraging people to follow them.

“The group engaged with officers and voluntarily dispersed so no enforcement action was required.”

No arrests were made.

Sussex Police added: “The government’s coronavirus regulations are in place to help stop the spread of the virus, protect the NHS and save lives. We will continue to use the four Es – engaging, explaining, encouraging and, where necessary and proportionate, enforcing.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Members of the group A Stand in the park were set to meet in Alexandra Park between 10am and 11am on Monday, but it is not clear whether the people in the footage were affiliated.

According to A Stand in the Park’s Facebook page, the group is ‘making a stand for freedom’.