The lagoon waters are often dyed black by police to deter swimmers from entering the ‘toxic’ water, which contains ‘rub-off’ from the old quarry which irritates skin.

However in this case police have confirmed that the action is a direct response to people disobeying social isolation rules.

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

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Police dye the waters of the blue lagoon near 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.

“With this in mind, we have attended the location and used water dye to make the water look less appealing.

“This is a regular tactic that we use to reduce ASB and we work in partnership with HPBC and Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Police dye the waters of the blue lagoon near Buxton.

“However, as things stand, it has never been so important to discourage these types of gatherings.”

The Government has forbidden groups of more than two people who do not live together during the coronavirus lockdown.

Yesterday (March 27) it also updated its guidance about the public accessing green spaces such as parts of the Peak District, advising people to exercise close to home and not to drive into the countryside.

Police dye the waters of the blue lagoon near Buxton.

Police dye the waters of the blue lagoon near Buxton.

Police dye the waters of the blue lagoon near Buxton.

Police dye the waters of the blue lagoon near Buxton.

Police dye the waters of the blue lagoon near Buxton.