A shocking video has emerged of the illegal gathering, which witnesses have described as a “blatant disregard” of the strain the NHS is currently under. Around 200 people attended the large snowball fight, which saw participants split into two teams, charge against each other and throw snow balls at each other at about 2pm today. The event appears to have been organised on social media and took place at Hyde Park.
The large snowball fight, which saw few people adhere to social distancing or wear face coverings, has been dubbed “the battle of Hyde Park”.
The park, also known as Woodhouse Moor, is a large public park north-west of Leeds city centre, which is surrounded by student houses.
The snowball fight is believed to have been between the city’s two universities, the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University.
Liam, of Heckmondwike, who runs LJFPhotography, said he shared the video to raise awareness of a lack of social distancing.
He said: “We were going for a walk in the park, it’s literally around the corner from our house, and we heard all this commotion.
“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. There were two groups of around 100 people each side, stood apart, charging at each other and throwing snowballs.
“I was stood there for a good ten minutes and there times when it quietened down and then picked back up again.
“It just shows a blatant disregard for the NHS and the strain it is under.”
People have shared the video on Twitter, with many stating that they were appalled by what they have seen.
One person wrote: “My nephew went for a walk and was met with this today in Hyde Park, Leeds. Pandemic? What pandemic?! Its no wonder people are dying when this sort of thing occurs.”
Another user said: “The videos of the ‘socially distanced’ Leeds Beckett x Leeds uni snowball fight look like the least socially distanced activity I have ever seen.”
A third wrote: “So two unis in Leeds have been having a massive snowball fight and from the videos I’ve seen barely anyone was wearing a mask. Such f*****g idiots.”
Another person said: “We are still in a national lockdown, there are c240 patients in hospital with Covid in Leeds alone.
“Sledding and snowball fights are not essential travel, solo exercise or work. Don’t be dumb.”
Current national lockdown rules issued by the Government state that time spent outside your home should be minimal, with only a handful of reasons given as exemptions.
One form of daily exercise is currently allowed, but people are advised not to travel outside their local area.
You can exercise in a public place by yourself, with members of your household, your support bubble, or when on your own, with one person from another household.
Several police forces have warned throwing snowballs during the lockdown could result in a fine.
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