Popular lido shut on hottest ever May Day after teenagers brawl | UK | News

Parliament Hill Lido was forced to close on Britain’s hottest May day on history after a violent brawl involving teenagers injured staff and shattered a car windshield. The popular outdoor pool in Hampstead Heath, north London, closed its doors on Monday afternoon as temperatures soared above 34C.

It remained closed on Tuesday and is expected to reopen on Wednesday at the earliest. Following the shooting, police arrested a 17-year-old boy and a 25-year-old man on suspicion of fighting at around 16:56. Officers and London Ambulance Service crews attended to a 15-year-old boy and a man in his 40s for minor injuries at the scene.

The City of London Corporation, which manages the Lido, condemned the “unacceptable behaviour” and said it had closed the facility immediately for the safety of staff and swimmers. The statement said: “After a discussion involving a small number of people, we decided to close it.” The Metropolitan Police are continuing their investigation.

Swimmer Ashley T, 38, arrived at the adults-only evening session at 5.45pm, hoping for a quieter swim, but found the hatch closed with police cars outside and a white car with a smashed windshield in the background.

He said: “The fight that broke out between two young people resulted in injuries to some staff and lifeguards. The car of one of the lifeguards was also destroyed. I had paid for a season ticket a few days ago, but I asked for a refund because I did not want to go there again.”

Parliament Hill Lido User Group posted on Instagram: “The Lido will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday 26th. We hope to reopen on Wednesday 27th. Please be courteous when you see our staff.”

The social media response provided strong support for staff. One user wrote: “You all are doing a great job. Disgusted to hear about today’s behavior. Hope everyone is okay.” Another added: “I’m so sorry that our amazing lido lifeguards and volunteers have been subjected to appalling behaviour. We really appreciate you.”

It is understood dozens of people were involved in the clash, but it is not thought the damaged car was deliberately targeted.

The company added: “We condemn the unacceptable behavior that led to the temporary closure of the Lido on Bank Holiday Monday. The Metropolitan Police Service attended and is investigating. We will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Police said: “At around 4.56pm on Monday 25 May, officers were called to reports of a fight at Parliament Hill Fields Lido in Camden. A 17-year-old boy and a 25-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of a fight.”

Measuring 200ft x 90ft and able to accommodate more than 2,000 people, the swimming pool from 1938 is one of London’s best-known outdoor pools. Its unheated water and lack of adult supervision for children ages eight and up make it especially popular in hot weather. Adult tickets cost £5 in the morning and evening, £8.80 during the day, while season tickets cost £252.

This incident is not the first problem experienced in the pool. It was forced to close for a day in the summer of 2019 following anti-social behaviour, with one manager describing it as “the worst day in my 35-year working history”.

Monday’s closure comes as thousands of people flocked to parks and pools in record-breaking May bank holiday heat. The fight has raised new concerns about safety in popular public spaces where large crowds gather in extreme heat.

Regular swimmers expressed disappointment but quickly supported the decision to close. Many called on others to show support for lifeguards and staff who are “working hard” to keep the historic swimming pool running.