One person was taken to hospital after being struck with a glass bottle during a fight at the Parliament Hill lido on Hampstead Heath. The incident occurred on May 25, during last month's heatwave, when two groups of young people became involved in an altercation, according to a City of London Corporation report.
Several members of staff were also injured, and a staff member's vehicle sustained significant damage. Two individuals 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, prepared for a Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee meeting next week, marks the first official acknowledgment that a glass bottle was used as a weapon. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) had previously heard from a regular café user that one person was hit over the head with a vodka bottle, though this was unconfirmed.
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. The initial verbal altercation escalated into a fight that continued outside the lido, attended by the Hampstead Heath Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police.
The individual hit with the bottle was taken to hospital by another person at the lido, not by the London Ambulance Service. The Corporation's 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 involving swimmers on the premises. In response, the City of London Corporation, which manages the Heath as a registered charity, has introduced measures effective 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.
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."
Shocking videos were also shared online of crowds entering non-swimming ponds on the Heath, disturbing and harming wildlife, including overturning swan nests. The Corporation has warned that those who flout the rules risk being fined or arrested.
