Reported anti-social behaviour and social distancing problems at Thorpe Park were "isolated issue"

The theme park in Chertsey says the incidents were caused by a "small minority".

Author: Josh KerrPublished 21st Oct 2020

Thorpe Park says the safety of its staff and visitors is its top priority after reports of anti-social behaviour and people not social distancing at one of their Fright Night events.

Images on social media showed crowds at the theme park near Chertsey, with reports of people being threatened at the event on Sunday (18 October).

A spokesperson for Thorpe Park said there was “an isolated issue with a small minority” and that those responsible were asked to leave.

They added: “The safety and wellbeing of our guests and staff is always our top priority.

“Since reopening on 4th July, Thorpe Park Resort has operated at a reduced capacity, with enhanced safety measures in place.

“To ensure everyone has a fun and safe visit during our Fright Nights events, we have additional security presence and social distancing stewards to remind guests about social distancing and rules relating to face coverings and group sizes.

“While our guests normally comply with these measures, on Sunday there was an isolated issue with a small minority who failed to follow these rules, including social distancing within their groups.

“Some of these guests also demonstrated intimidating and threatening behaviour.

“We take these sort of incidents very seriously and we asked those guests to leave immediately.”

Surrey Police said they contacted the park following the reported breaches of social distancing rules on Sunday.

The force added: “The park dealt with these breaches and asked those who were refusing to follow the measures put in place to leave.

“We will continue to work in partnership with the park and the local authority, which has primacy for monitoring the park’s covid mitigation measures, and will provide support where a breach of the peace occurs or the breaches constitute an offence under the coronavirus legislation.”