More than 500 revellers flouting the lockdown are dispersed by police as they ignore social distancing and pack together for impromtu party at the Cutty Sark in south London

A huge crowd of lockdown-defying Londoners have gathered along the River Thames in breach of strict social distancing rules.

Furious passersby said up to 400 people gathered in Greenwich this evening, as some angry locals claimed a make-shift Christmas market had popped up.

Pictures showed mask-free revellers defying social distancing rules to listen to a busker playing a guitar.

The masts of the historic British ship the Cutty Sark can be seen illuminated in the background.

Under the country's second lockdown - which began on November 5 -  outdoor social gatherings are banned.

A huge crowd of lockdown-defying Londoners have gathered along the River Thames in Greenwich despite the nation-wide second lockdown

Furious passersby said up to 400 people gathered in Greenwich (some pictured)  this evening, as some angry locals claimed a make-shift Christmas market had popped up

Two members of different households are permitted to meet outdoors, but two-metre social distancing rules must be abided by. 

One onlooker shared images to Twitter, writing: 'Can't believe it's in lockdown. People gathering aside the river and singing. There's even a Christmas market beside Cutty sark.'

Another passerby wrote: 'How can there possibly be a Christmas market tonight with hundreds of people gathering without masks or keeping distance around the Cutty Sark during a nation-wide lockdown? So unresposible!'

Meanwhile, in Wandsworth, images of crowds of people drinking while standing in crowds outdoors were shared to Twitter

Groups were seen gathered along the road as they drank. A concerned onlooker shared the images to Twitter

Yuning Zhang said the revellers were 'drinking in large groups of presumbly multiple household'

Meanwhile, in Wandsworth, images of crowds of people drinking while standing in crowds outdoors were shared to Twitter. 

Yuning Zhang said the revellers were 'drinking in large groups of presumbly multiple household'.

Met Police said 'local officers have been made aware of the incident' in reply to her post.

Pictures showed mask-free revellers defying social distancing rules as they sang along to music in Greenwich

The masts of the historic British ship the Cutty Sark can be seen illuminated in the background in Greenwich

Another passerby wrote: 'How can there possibly be a Christmas market tonight with hundreds of people gathering without masks or keeping distance around the Cutty Sark during a nation-wide lockdown? So unresposible!'