DRIVERS who blocked a lifeboat slipway into the sea to go get an ice-cream have been criticised.

The RNLI in Redcar called police after it was discovered the slipway off Redcar seafront had been parked on by two vehicles on Sunday afternoon.

It was the second time in three days that such an incident has happened with RNLI officials saying it was “hard to believe”.

A post on the group’s Facebook page said: “The drivers and occupants returned some time later, enjoying their lemon top ice-creams.

“They were unaware of the consequences of their actions.

“Unfortunately they left the scene before the police arrived.

“They were offered the chance to make a donation to the charity by way of apology, but declined.”