A beauty spot notorious for anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol use has been once again packed as videos and pictures show people jumping into the water.

Richmond Falls, which is currently under a Public Spaces Protection Order, has been heaving as people have flocked there to take advantage of the heatwave.

Read more: North East heatwave: Council issues warning for notorious Richmond Falls

The Northern Echo visited the site where we saw crowds of people swimming and jumping into the frigid water as well as people playing water games.

The Northern Echo: Crowds gather to enjoy the sun at Richmond falls Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTCrowds gather to enjoy the sun at Richmond falls Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

We were there at around 2pm just minutes before police cars could be seen heading to the falls following concerns.

The beauty spot was made infamous during the 2020 Covid lockdown when a mass gathering of people saw drugs and litter left behind.

This time last year, an incident saw a toddler injured after being hit by a glass bottle that had been thrown by men that were fighting.

The Northern Echo: Crowds gather to enjoy the sun at Richmond falls Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTCrowds gather to enjoy the sun at Richmond falls Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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Suffering a cut to the foot, the child was left distressed and very upset.

Today, Richmondshire District Council reminded visitors to the area that there is currently a Public Spaces Protection Order in place at the beauty spot.

This restricts certain behaviour that has a negative impact on the area and the local community.

The Northern Echo: Crowds gather to enjoy the sun at Richmond falls Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTCrowds gather to enjoy the sun at Richmond falls Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

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The local authority said they had received reports “concerning noisy groups, alcohol use and litter being left behind.”

Breaches of the Public Space Protection order could result in a fine for visitors.

This includes behaviour such as threatening or abusing people in the area, continuing to consume alcohol when required to stop, being under the influence of drugs, throwing objects that could cause damage and others.

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