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People ignore the two-metre social distancing rule as they Clap For Carers outside a London hospital in "unbelievable" scenes captured on Westminster Bridge last night.

The shocking footage captures a huge crowd congregating during the weekly 8pm applause, close to St Thomas’ Hospital.

The video, filmed by doctor Damir Rafi, shows a crowd of people including emergency staff, police officers and parents with young children all ignoring the rules.

(Image: @d_rafi1/Twitter)

On Twitter, Dr Rafi, who works at St Thomas' Hospital, said he was "perplexed by the lack of social distancing" captured in the video.

It comes as thousands of people across the country took to their streets, gardens and windows to thank NHS workers and other key workers for the fourth week.

The video has sparked outcry from many people who have been following the government's strict rules to help protect our NHS.

One woman said: "This is just really infuriating!!!!

"I’m a Nurse & this scene made me sick!!!

"It’s more appreciated if social distancing was practise here than the clapping itself! Do we really CARE???

"Expect for more weeks of torture, more casualties because of this!!!"

(Image: @d_rafi1/Twitter)

Another fumed: "Unbelievable Steve, keep your distance until 8 o clock on a Thursday then for the next 10 minutes it’s a f****** free for all!"

And many people criticised the lack of response to the crowd - with one person tweeting: "The idiots on #westminsterbridge should all be arrested by the cops who stood there and did nothing who should then all be suspended for doing f*** all about it. Utter idiots."

And a second person added: "People on Westminster Bridge clap for healthcare staff they're going to meet in 10-14 days due to their lack of social distancing."

(Image: @d_rafi1/Twitter)

Many people pointed out the risk that the gathering could pose to NHS staff.

One said: "Do these idiots on Westminster Bridge really believe they're doing the right thing?

"They're just sticking two fingers up at the people they are supposed to be clapping for.

"Give key workers proper protection and pay, that's all they want, not people putting everything at risk."

Another fumed: "Just seen about Westminster Bridge, to all of you who went there, you are complicit in the spread of coronavirus & associated deaths you bunch of complete moron happyclappers!

"You disrespected the NHS by gathering in a large group!"

And a grandmother said: "Maybe I should arrange a date on Westminster bridge with all my grandchildren who I am not allowed to see."

(Image: @d_rafi1/Twitter)

A fellow parent agreed: "Yep. I'd love to see my mum, my son is desperate to see his friends - looks like a Westminster Bridge rendezvous is in order."

Another mum tweeted: "Absolutely shocking my son not even been out for fresh air in 4 weeks and all these idiots at Westminster bridge f** how do you explain that to teenagers who your telling to stay in when they see this."

Solicitor Aamer Anwar wrote on Twitter: "We’ve seen officers wrongly applying #COVID19 laws, shouting in faces ‘you’re killing people’, use drones, no yoga or park benches, yet here @metpoliceuk don’t apply laws on #SocialDistancing at WM Bridge as people clap NHS who say #StayHomeStayLives.

"Public gatherings of only 2, some of us haven’t seen our parents in weeks, our children not at schools, nearly 14,000 dead as @metpoliceuk allow this madness on Westminster Bridge."

Another person added: "I actually can’t get over these videos from Westminster Bridge tonight.

"The fact that the POLICE are the ones doing it.

(Image: @d_rafi1/Twitter)

"So, if I was to invite family round for a BBQ, the police could come and break it up, but if I go to Westminster Bridge on a Thursday at 8pm to clap, all good."

The government has previously warned that open air does not protect against the coronavirus as they have stressed that people must stay two metres apart outside.

On March 22nd, Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned: "Don't think that fresh air in itself automatically provides some immunity.

"The best thing that everybody can do - if you're going outside, observe social distancing.

"Stay two metres apart - it's not such a difficult thing. Do it."

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police 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.”