Footage circulating on social media shows hundreds of residents gathering in Redbridge to celebrate Pakistan Independence Day.

Images shows large crowds gathering, many of whom appear not to be wearing face masks, over the weekend to celebrate Pakistan being declared a sovereign state following the end of the British Raj in 1947.

On Friday and Saturday (August 14 and 15), mass gatherings of revellers took to Ilford Lane, waving flags and singing songs.

Crows gathered despite the risk of spreading Covid-19 and the council desperately urging people to mark the occasion at home, with mass gatherings still not authorised.

This footage shows hundreds of residents gathering in east London to celebrate Pakistan Independence Day, despite pleas to stay at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pictures and footage show a huge number of residents taking to the streets in Ilford Lane over the weekend, many of whom did not appear to be wearing face coverings.

Ahead of the celebrations, Redbridge council urged people to mark the occasion at home because of the coronavirus outbreak, with mass gatherings still not allowed.

Council leader, Cllr Jas Athwal, had urged residents “to have a safe independence day” and "enjoy this one at home".

However, his pleas were largely ignored and deputy council leader, Cllr Kam Rai, told the Evening Standard he was “fed up” with people thinking social distancing did not apply to them and putting others “at risk”.

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