Coronavirus Christmas: Watch as swathes of people cram into London station ahead of new lockdown

Crowds have been filmed cramming into London St Pancras following news of a part lockdown for England.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced today in an emergency conference that London and other parts of England will be going under Tier 4 restrictions over concerns of a new strain of Covid-19 spreading rapidly.

Commuter Harriet Clugston posted a video of swathes of people queuing at the London station at about 7.30pm on Saturday as she waited for a Leeds bound train to depart.

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Once on a train she said: “As expected, train is crammed. Announcement on tannoy says social distancing "will not be possible" due to volume and to get off if you are not comfortable with that.

"Everyone of course has suitcases. People have tried to secure social distancing by placing on seats but being asked to remove them by other passengers as the train is so full.

"To make matters worse, we've been told this train will be taken out of service at Derby. We will all get off and board a new train, no doubt mixing the virus amongst ourselves as we reorganise with new seat partners.

“Maximum damage guaranteed.”

The lockdown for London and other parts of England that have been under Tier 3 restrictions will kick in tomorrow.

London St Pancras on Saturday evening, shortly after Boris Johnson's emergency coronavirus update picture: Harriet ClugstonLondon St Pancras on Saturday evening, shortly after Boris Johnson's emergency coronavirus update picture: Harriet Clugston
London St Pancras on Saturday evening, shortly after Boris Johnson's emergency coronavirus update picture: Harriet Clugston

People in those areas will not be able to travel out of their area or stay in any other household apart from their own.

Mainland Scotland and Wales also announced national lockdowns for their residents over the festive period.

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