DELIVEROO has responded after pictures emerged of a group of its riders hanging around a kitchen despite social distancing regulations.

The food delivery firm said it was “taking this situation extremely seriously” after the pictures emerged of the workers outside the Deliveroo Kitchen in Olive Road, Hove.

The pictures, which are said to have been taken on Saturday at 8.30pm, appear to show a group of riders together before taking food out for delivery.

The photographer said: “As a fellow delivery driver, I’m taking precautions where necessary, gloves, sterilising take away boxes, practising social distancing.

“It’s a bit concerning that multiple times through my shift, I drove past multiple Deliveroo drivers completely unaware of social distancing, wearing no gloves, no mask, in groups of up to ten people with no measure put in place by the staff at the hub to keep them separated.

“Very disappointing to see.”

This comes amid the Government’s strict new measures to combat the spread of Covid-19.

People must stay at home and only go outside for food, health reasons or work – if they cannot work from home.

If you go out, you should stay two metres – or 6ft – away from other people at all times.

When presented the pictures, a spokeswoman for Deliveroo said: “The safety of our customers, restaurant partners and riders is our absolute priority.

“You can be assured that we take this situation extremely seriously.”

The company said its “rider support team” was in constant contact with riders about the importance of respecting social distancing, including strict guidance and standards to follow.

The company also said it would take action when safety standards are not met.