A visitor to Parliament Hill Lido on Hampstead Heath was taken to hospital after being struck with a glass bottle during an altercation on the May Bank Holiday Monday, it has been confirmed.
Incident Details
Multiple staff members were also injured in the incident on May 25, which occurred during a hot long weekend. The fight broke out between two groups of young people, according to a City of London Corporation report. A staff member's vehicle was also significantly damaged. Two people were arrested on suspicion of affray but have since been released due to a lack of witnesses willing to confirm their involvement.
The Corporation report, compiled ahead of a Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee meeting, is the first official acknowledgment that a glass bottle was used. A regular café user had previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that one person had hit another over the head with a vodka bottle, though this was not confirmed at the time.
Warm Weather and Queues
The warm weather over the long weekend led to long queues at the Lido, with social media reports indicating waits of up to one hour and 40 minutes to enter. An initial verbal altercation escalated into a fight between two groups, which continued outside the Lido. The Heath Constabulary and Metropolitan Police attended, and one person was taken to hospital after being hit with the bottle. The LDRS understands the victim was taken to hospital by another individual rather than by the London Ambulance Service.
Security Measures
The Corporation report states: “Officers are investigating how glass was brought into the Lido, where it is strictly prohibited, and are reviewing existing security footage and procedures for all swimmers. A complete review of operations at the Lido has been initiated, including but not limited to capacity, staffing, safety, and admittance procedures.”
A second fight broke out on May 28 in the queue outside the Lido, with further incidents caused by swimmers on the premises. Since then, the City of London Corporation, which manages the Heath as a registered charity, has introduced a series of measures to be in place until September 5. These include ID checks, a ban on entry for anyone under 16 without a parent, guardian, or responsible adult, and random bag searches.
Official Response
Alderman Gregory Jones KC, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, said: “The behaviour of some visitors over the recent Bank Holiday was utterly appalling and will not be tolerated. No one should be subjected to abuse or violence. Keeping the public and our staff safe is our number one priority. Our Constabulary patrols the Heath and its facilities at no cost to the local council taxpayer. They will always seek to engage first, but we will take firm enforcement action when necessary. We are working closely with partners, including the Metropolitan Police Service, and considering extra measures to ensure that Hampstead Heath remains a safe and welcoming space for all.”
Additional Incidents
Shocking videos were also shared online of crowds entering two non-swimming ponds on the Heath, disturbing and harming wildlife, such as by overturning swan nests. These actions were widely condemned. The Corporation has warned that those who flout the rules moving forward risk being fined or arrested.
