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Britain's top cop has been criticised after being spotted leading the crowded 'Clap for Carers' gathering on Westminster Bridge which ignored strict social distancing rules.

Metropolitan police commissioner Dame Cressida Dick faced tough questions this morning after footage captured her applauding our NHS workers among a large crowd flouting the rules.

Since the outbreak, the Government has been advising people to remain two metres apart from each other to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

(Image: Howard Jones / i-Images)

In the video, which was tweeted by the Metropolitan Police, people can be seen walking closely past the top police chief.

Another video captured by junior doctor Damir Rafi shows a large group congregating on the bridge, which included emergency staff, police officers and parents with young children.

Now people have criticised the police chief for leading the event - which was meant to honour NHS staff and other key workers.

(Image: @d_rafi1/Twitter)

One tweet fumed: "So it would appear that Cressida Dick, the Met Police Chief was actually responsible for, or at least present at, this massive social distancing breach on Westminster Bridge."

Another added: "Mass Gatherings were banned a month ago. They were made illegal.

"Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick last night, arranged a mass gathering on Westminster Bridge for an evening of virtue signalling.

(Image: Howard Jones / i-Images)

"Here she is, applauding herself. Who will arrest Cressida Dick?"

One person said: "Cressida Dick must surely have been stood in the middle thinking, has this gone a bit out of hand?

"Or maybe I’m being overly critical"

Another added: "That video of everyone on the bridge in London is mad, even madder that Cressida Dick the Commissioner of the @metpoliceuk was there!

"Herd immunity until the end eh."

A third person said: "Cressida Dick leading the clapping on Westminster Bridge last night....really?!"

Another person said: "If that is Cressida Dick, Commissioner of the @metpoliceuk, standing on Westminster Bridge, she should be ashamed of herself.

"What a bad example she is setting."

The videos capturing the gathering has sparked fury amongst those who have been following the government's strict rules to help protect our NHS - with some calling for the police chief's resignation.

On Twitter, one person said: "FAO Cressida Dick. @metpoliceuk Can you please explain what that was about on London Bridge last evening?

"You have totally brought down the Lockdown by your actions.

"You have TOTALLY undermined the message of Stay at Home etc. I think you should resign at the very least."

Another added: "I've been on twitter all week defending the police for the way they have been dealing with the coronavirus issue. I really don't know why I bothered. Cressida Dick, Commissioner of the@metpoliceuk has got questions to answer.

"If she cannot answer them, she must resign."

A third person agreed, replying to the original tweet by the force: "Is this a joke?

"Cressida Dick needs to answer why she allowed this to happen. Otherwise she should resign with immediate effect."

This morning, the Metropolitan Police said: "This was not an organised event.

"The Commissioner, along with many other emergency services workers, participated in clapping for key workers last night – to suggest she was leading it is incorrect."

In an earlier statement, the police force said: “Officers, along with other emergency service workers, came together last night on Westminster Bridge to celebrate the work of all key workers.



“A large number of members of the public also gathered to express their gratitude.



“While many people adhered to social distancing guidance, it appears that some did not.



“We regularly remind our officers of the importance of social distancing where practical, and will continue do so.”