Outrage as huge crowd of people seen 'clapping for carers' in London, clearly defying social distancing rules

London has thanked NHS workers for working on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic — by clearly violating social distancing rules.

While most of us took to our doorsteps last night to clap for carers, Londoners decided to do the same in a large crowd on Westminster Bridge.

Junior doctor Damir Rafi who posted the footage to Twitter said he was "perplexed" by the lack of social distancing he witnessed.

People standing on the bridge are clearly not six feet apart from each other – or outside their own homes.

Dr Rafi also shared a Facebook status in which he questioned whether clapping for NHS staff means much when "you keep voting for people that continue to make the lives of NHS staff worse".

People are also criticising the Met Police for joining in with the clap rather than enforcing social distancing rules.

Overhead footage of the scene reveals a heavy police presence in the area failing to disperse the crowd.

With the government announcing three more weeks of social distancing, people are angry that the rules seem to apply to some people more than others.

A video posted by the Met Police on Twitter further reveals that Commissioner Cressida Dick was present on the bridge during the clap.

Police officers directly behind her can be seen standing less than six feet apart from each other.

When approached for comment, the Met Police told us:

Officers, along with other emergency service workers, came together last night on Westminster Bridge to celebrate the work of all key workers. A large number of members of the public also gathered to express their gratitude. 

While many people adhered to social distancing guidance, it appears that some did not. We regularly remind our officers of the importance of social distancing where practical, and will continue do so.

Social distancing measures are designed to protect us and alleviate pressure on the NHS as they treat coronavirus patients.

A better way to show our gratitude to NHS workers would be by following these rules, not gathering in a crowd in the most populated city in the country.