For many years, Dovedale's stepping stones have provided the perfect platform for walkers to access hikes up the valley across the River Dove in the Peak District. First laid in about 1890 for Victorian tourists, people can walk between Derbyshire and Staffordshire by crossing the stones. But in recent times, the beauty spot has been plagued by bad weather and safety issues, and last year the stones were officially closed after they were badly damaged when Storm Babet hit in October.
A bridge a few hundred metres downstream provides a safe route across the river, but crowds continue to cross the stones, which were thrown into the spotlight after police launched an investigation into a confrontation between two groups of people late last month. So what is it about this closed landmark that attracts people from far and wide? Mobile phone footage captured on 27 July showed sticks being waved and punches thrown at the stepping stones. Derbyshire Police confirmed it had reports of a fight at 14:30 BST, including claims from a caller that a child in his party had been hit, and that an attempt was made to steal his wife's purse.
No arrests have yet been made, the force told the BBC. The National Trust, which owns the land, said it understood that "disturbances of this kind can be upsetting for visitors". A spokesperson added: "We'd also like to remind visitors that the stepping stones are currently closed because of storm damage and signs are in place asking visitors not to use them.