Devon and Cornwall Police have called for 'respect in our communities' following on from the drunk and disorderly behaviour witnessed on Exmouth beach yesterday evening (June 24).

A spokesperson said: "The incident at Orcombe Point in Exmouth saw around 200 young people drinking, and in some cases fighting, with large numbers of individuals drunk.

"Police issued a dispersal order in an effort to restore order to the beach on Wednesday evening.

"In another incident a man suffered a head injury after an apparent assault in Exmouth with numerous assaults on police officers reported across Devon and Plymouth."

Chief Superintendent Matt Lawler said: "We wholly appreciate many people in our communities have been in lockdown for some time and the chance to meet in larger groups outside in good weather is an opportunity to socialise and enjoy.

"However, the impact on the wider community must be respected and drink related episodes like those at Orcombe Point on Wednesday cannot be repeated.

"While we want people to be able to have a good time and enjoy themselves, drinking to excess and meeting in such large groups is putting themselves and many others at risk.

"While regulations around COVID have been relaxed to an extent, the Government continues to ask all people to respect social distancing and to remember coronavirus remains a serious threat to public health.

"We hope the vast majority of our residents are responsible, but we know some people will drink to excess and become vulnerable to harm or indeed cause harm to others as a result."

C Supt Lawler added: "Police officers should not be put at risk simply because people want to drink and let off steam. In a number of cases last night officers have been assaulted because of drunken, antisocial behaviour – that is unacceptable.

"Antisocial and drunken behaviour impacts hugely on a community and the lifting of some COVID measures is not an excuse for violent excess.

"Officer took steps last night to disperse crowds at Orcombe Point and will do whatever is necessary to protect all of our communities from crime and disorder."