A beach party was being monitored by police this evening as about 200 people danced on the sand.

Speakers blasting out tunes were set up on Leysdown beach on the Isle of Sheppey.

People looked on bemused as the large group appeared to be showing little notice to social distancing guidelines.

Footage and photos of the gathering showed police were there but were not seen to take any action.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police has received a report of a large number of people gathering in Leysdown during the evening of Thursday, June 25.

"Officers are monitoring the situation and are in attendance."

"Where appropriate, officers will remind people of the latest government advice around social distancing, engage with them, explain why it is necessary and encourage them to take personal responsibility for adhering to them.

"Enforcement will be used when necessary."

The event caused a huge stir on social media, with hundreds of people commenting.

Questions were raised about social distancing, whether it breached the guidelines, what type of event it was and why nothing was being done to break the party up.

The area is usually packed with holiday-makers at this time of year but those with second homes on Sheppey have been forced to stay away from their properties since lockdown began in March.

Some protested at being told to leave in the first place as they were made to go back to their primary homes.

They are expecting to be able to return next week.

Meanwhile, shocking pictures showed thousands of people packed onto Margate beach earlier today.

Read more: All the latest news from Sheppey