Police issue warning to holidaymakers at popular UK seaside town

Police have issued a warning to visitors at a popular UK seaside town ahead of the busy spring and summer seasons. Lincolnshire Police and staff at Cleethorpes resort have both shared safety advice as around 250,000 people are reportedly expected to flock to the town during the holiday season.

The warnings include the dangers of fast moving tides and mud along the coast, as well as visitors having a plan for getting home late at night. Cleethorpes, south of Grimsby, is home to four miles of golden sands, a pier, promenade and other attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Chief Inspector Alina Ames said Lincolnshire Police will be increasing vehicle and foot patrols around coastal areas.

Advice to visitors also included remaining together on nights out and early reporting of nuisance behaviour, according to BBC News.

Ch Insp Ames urged people to contact the force if they see someone in trouble and said "early intervention prevents harm".

Deputy resort manager for Cleethorpes, Manny Rodgers, encouraged visitors to be aware of the "fast incoming tides" and encouraged visitors to leave sandbanks five hours before high tide.

He explained Cleethorpes' gets plenty of mud which is moving all the time and advised people to stop and retrace their steps if they find the beach all of a sudden goes soft under foot.

Those who found themselves stuck are urged to remain still, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

"You think you're on solid ground, and the next step, you could be up to your knee or waist in deep mud," he said, according to the BBC.

Meanwhile, a Lincolnshire Police spokesperson encouraged people to be mindful of noise late at night, advising groups to stick together and have a plan of how they will get home.

Cleethorpes is in north-east Lincolnshire and overlooks the Humber estuary.

It became a holiday resort during the 19th century, with its pier opening in 1873 and its promenade in 1885.