Environmental groups have hit out at “irresponsible” and “disrespectful” partygoers who left piles of broken glass, rusty nails and other trash at Southlands beach on Saturday.

Anne Hyde, director of Keep Bermuda Beautiful, has contacted the Bermuda Government’s Waste Management team in the hope that they will track down the perpetrators and take action against them.

Ms Hyde told The Royal Gazette: “We were shocked to see the photographs posted on social media of Southlands beach after Saturday’s party.

“The ugly mess that was left behind falls into the serious category. It is not the worst that KBB has ever seen, but definitely exhibits irresponsible behaviour.

“The most shocking part is not the trash, but the hazardous material deliberately created and carelessly left behind. Deliberate smashing of beer bottles into the bonfire and using material like wooden pallets, which contain nails, is seriously dangerous.

“The shards of broken glass, the dozens of nails and hot embers left unattended on the beach for any innocent feet the next day are the real tragedy of this party.” According to Ms Hyde, the Government had confirmed that a permit had not been applied for ahead of Saturday’s gathering.

She said: “As we move into the summer months, people should be aware that they need to obtain a Parks Department permit to host a party of 20 or more people, at least that is KBB’s understanding. In addition, people need to obtain a special permit to have a bonfire. The permit comes with instructions on how to start and end a safe bonfire that does not leave behind a hazardous danger to others.

“There were several regulations broken in this case and Keep Bermuda Beautiful would like to see the hosts of this party, whoever they are, prosecuted and fined.

“At the very least, they should be made to do community service. Irresponsible behaviour should not be tolerated, especially when it affects the general wellbeing and safety of others and the enjoyment of public spaces.”

Ms Hyde said some partygoers did return later to help with the clean-up, after they were contacted.

Selange Gitschner, of environmental group Groundswell, said: “We are all for a good party but the trash left on Southlands over the weekend was beyond irresponsible — it was criminal.

“The broken glass and nails left from burning pallets is what we take most issue with. We spend countless volunteer hours trying to help protect the marine environment, so when we see blatant disrespect for one’s home and laziness like this, we take it very personally.

“We will have words with the organisers but all people who went to this private event should take a moment to reflect on their actions.

“Given the effort to revamp tourism, for them to leave a beach in the state they did during the height of tourist season should be seen as an act of treason.”