Police in plea over social distance as visitors pour onto Blackpool prom

With temperatures soaring and the sun shining, the seafront and beaches have been so busy there have been several reports of children temporarily going missing.

The police message comes amidst concern that if Covid guidelines are not adhered to, Blackpool may experience a similar situation to its near neighbour Preston, which has now had to resume some of the lockdown conditions after rising infection rates.

On one of its social media platforms, Blackpool Police stated this afternoon: "We are experiencing lots of visitors to Blackpool and Lytham St Annes.

"We have had a larger than usual number of children go missing.

"Please keep your family safe and ensure you have your children in sight at all times.

"The beaches are particularly busy and its really easy to lose track of their location.

"We would also like to remind you to observe government Covid guidelines in relation to social distancing."

Earlier this afternoon, Blackpool RNLI were on the verge of ;launching their boat after reports of a mssing child, but the youngster was found just before the launch.