Britain's hottest day of the year so far has led to many people flouting social distancing rules to hit the beach – with some coastal roads left "gridlocked".
The mercury climbed to 27.8C (82F) near Heathrow Airport, as sunbathers across England enjoyed new found-freedom following the easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
London's St James's Park had recorded a high of 26.2C (79F) on Tuesday – beating 2020's previous top of 26C (78.8F) set last month.
Balmy conditions have tested the nation's resolve in maintaining social distancing in parks and open spaces.
On the north Devon coast, police said roads to the area's beaches were "gridlocked" despite pleas to the public from councils who advise against travelling to the south west of England.
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Officers in Ilfracombe and Braunton said they had identified vehicles from "all over the country" in the local area, where toilets and other amenities remain closed.
"Roads towards the north Devon coast are now gridlocked," officers tweeted.
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"We have vehicles from all over the country identified, please do not travel here.
"We will still be here when this is over so come back when it's safe to do so."
One officer said "valuable resources" were being used to police traffic, adding that elderly people in the area would be "very anxious over the selfish actions of these individuals".
Sadly every double yellow line from woolacombe to Morthoe is covered with cars and vans. Cars mounting pavements to get by whilst pedestrians try to cross the road. All the offences have been recorded and will be processed in due course.@NWDevonPolice@NorthDevonNews pic.twitter.com/SF29A5jG8U
— Sgt Steve BJ : North Devon RPU : (@Sgt_BJ_DCPolice) Read More – Source
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