The scene at Parliament Lido which closed after the altercation (Image: SWNS)
Parliament Hill Lido was forced to close on Britain’s hottest May day on record after a violent brawl involving teenagers left staff injured and a car windscreen smashed. The popular open-air pool on Hampstead Heath in north London shut its gates on Monday afternoon as temperatures surged past 34C.
It remained closed on Tuesday and is expected to reopen on Wednesday at the earliest. Police arrested a 17-year-old boy and a 25-year-old man on suspicion of affray after the clash at about 4.56pm. Officers and London Ambulance Service crews treated a 15-year-old boy and a man in his 40s for minor injuries at the scene.
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The scene at the lido on Monday (Image: SWNS)
The City of London Corporation, which manages the lido, condemned the “unacceptable behaviour” and said it closed the facility immediately for the safety of staff and swimmers. A statement said: “Following an altercation involving a small number of individuals, we took the decision to close.” The Metropolitan Police are investigating.
Swimmer Ashley T, 38, arrived for the adults-only evening session at 5.45pm expecting a quieter swim, only to find the lido shuttered with police cars outside and a white car with a smashed windscreen in the background.
She said: “It was a fight between two teenagers that resulted in some staff and lifeguards getting injured. One of the lifeguard’s cars was also smashed. I had just paid for a seasonal ticket a few days ago but asked for a refund because I do not want to go there ever again.”
The Parliament Hill Lido Users Group posted on Instagram: “The Lido will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday 26th. Hoping to reopen on Wednesday 27th. Please be kind to our staff when you see them.”
The lido remained closed on Tuesday (Image: SWNS)
Social media reaction was strongly supportive of staff. One user wrote: “You all do an amazing job. Disgusted to hear of the behaviour today. Hope everyone is OK.” Another added: “So sorry our fantastic lido lifeguards and volunteers are subjected to horrible behaviour. We really appreciate you.”
It is understood dozens of people became involved in the melee, though the damaged car was not believed to have been deliberately targeted.
The Corporation added: “We condemn the unacceptable behaviour that led to the temporary closure of the Lido on Bank Holiday Monday. The Metropolitan Police Service attended and are investigating. We will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Police said: “At around 16:56hrs on Monday 25 May, officers were called to reports of an altercation at Parliament Hill Fields Lido, Camden. A boy, aged 17 and a man, aged 25 were arrested on suspicion of affray.”
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The 1938 lido, which measures 200ft by 90ft and can hold more than 2,000 bathers, is one of London’s best-known outdoor pools. Its unheated water and no-adult-supervision rule for children aged eight and over make it especially popular in hot weather. Adult tickets cost £5 in early mornings and evenings, £8.80 daytime, with season tickets at £252.
The incident is not the first time trouble has hit the pool. It was forced to close for a day in summer 2019 after anti-social behaviour, with one manager calling it “the worst day in my 35-year working history”.
Monday’s closure came as thousands flocked to parks and pools during the record-breaking May bank holiday heat. The brawl has raised fresh concerns about safety at popular public spaces when large crowds gather in extreme temperatures.
Regular swimmers expressed disappointment but backed the swift decision to close. Many urged others to show support for lifeguards and staff who “work so hard” to keep the historic lido running.