Large crowds escaped to the beach in Southend-on-Sea to enjoy the bank holiday sunshine.

Video uploaded to a social media website shows groups of people relaxing and sunbathing on the packed beach, with little or no concern for the social distancing guidelines in place.

Earlier this month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that people would be allowed to take unlimited amounts of outdoor exercise, sit in the sun in their local park, drive to other destinations, and play sports with members of their own household.