Police attend Ballygally beach after 'large crowd' reported

It comes as the PSNI highlighted the importance of continued adherence to social distancing guidelines.

"Police received reports of large group of young people congregating at Ballygally beach yesterday evening. Police attended and no immediate issues were noted. The crowds dispersed shortly after 9pm and no offences were disclosed," a PSNI spokesperson said.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd commented: “We know that people are out and about, enjoying the good weather and gathering at a number of beaches and beauty spots. We will have an increased, visible presence across Northern Ireland [this week], with officers and police dogs at resorts and key locations, including bus and train stations.

“Our focus will be on dispersing crowds gathering, potentially in breach of Regulation 6 of the Health Protection Regulations, alcohol or drug consumption and road safety - particularly speeding and drink driving. We will continue to engage, explain and encourage people to make the right choices and enforce the law as appropriate.

“I would urge everyone to be mindful of the Regulations: each of us has a personal responsibility to follow them and do everything we can to stop the spread of Covid-19. We would encourage people not to travel to popular destinations as others could have the same idea, with the result that social distancing might not be achievable.”

Meanwhile, many in the community were critical of the amount of litter that had been discarded on the beach, with several social media users branding it "disgusting" and "unacceptable".