VE Day street party in the UK sparks fury on social media

Footage of VE Day street parties with no regard to social distancing has led to a barrage of criticism on social media.

A video of celebrations in Grove Hill, Middlesborough, was met with thousands of angry responses, including the mayor who said it was a ‘stupid’ idea.

Andy Preston questioned the sensibility of television channels airing the footage in a positive manner, sending out confusing mixed messages.

The mayor said police checked on the ‘pretty well-organised’ party which ran into the early hours on bank holiday Friday, and said it had gone ahead ‘without major issues.’

But in a tweet, he said “my frustration is that street parties are a daft idea. People are confused about rules and BBC TV endorsing a street party adds to that.’

Middlesborough has the third highest rate of Covid-19 infections in the country and one of the highest death rates.

Clevland Police, which covers Grove Hill, said it was a ‘shame’ too many people were outside despite lockdown conditions and had already issued more that 170 fines and 710 warnings.