The Blue Lagoon, a beauty spot in Buxton, Derbyshire, has been dyed black by police (Credits: Derbyshire Constabulary / SWNS)

Police in Derbyshire have dyed a picturesque ‘Blue Lagoon’ black to deter people from swimming in it amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Officers confirmed they took the unusual step after groups continued to disobey social isolation rules at the beauty spot in Buxton.

The police force posted photos of the normally clear water on Facebook, showing before and after shots of the pit with and without the black dye.

The photos came with a warning not to disobey the government lockdown by congregating there, which can result in arrest and large fines.


Derbyshire Police dyed the water black to deter social gatherings (Picture: PA)

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Some officers wore white overalls, masks and blue gloves as they dyed the water (Picture: PA)

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police said: ‘We received reports that people were congregating at the ‘Blue Lagoon’ in Harpur Hill, Buxton.



‘No doubt this is due to the picturesque location and the lovely weather in Buxton.

‘However, the location is dangerous and this type of gathering is in contravention of the current instruction of the UK Government.’

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This is not the first time officers have resorted to adding colour to the Blue Lagoon in a bid to discourage antisocial behaviour. Despite its appealing colour, the water is toxic. It fills a deep hole in a disused quarry and can cause skin irritation if swam in.

General view of a sign at the Blue Lagoon of Buxton (Picture: Reuters)

The water fills a former quarry home and is toxic (Credits: REUTERS)

Swimming in the water can cause skin irritation and is against social isolation rules (Picture: Reuters)

Dying the water black drew a mixed reaction on social media, with some saying the intriguing colour would continue to attract ‘idiots’.

Boris Johnson has instructed Brits to stay at home and only leave when absolutely essential – such as going to the shops for basic necessities or exercising once a day.

Derbyshire Police has already come under fire for using drone footage to shame people travelling into the Peak District to walk the hills.

‘Walking your dog in the Peak District – not essential. Going for a walk miles from home – not essential’ were among a series of stern messages that appeared on the video.

Derbyshire Police officers at Buxton lagoon. (Picture: SWNS)

In another bid to make sure the public adhere to social distancing rules, police officers in south west London are now are overseeing entry to Richmond Park.

Meanwhile, a bakery owner was threatened with an £80 fine for criminal damage after drawing temporary markings outside her shop to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

A video of the exchange drew much criticism online, with many considering his handing out of a ticket to be inappropriate in the current climate.

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