Safety warning over 'urban exploring' dangers

The activity sees people venturing into old properties and photographing and documenting them online

Parents in part of Merseyside have been warned about the dangers of children exploring unsafe derelict buildings as part of the trend of "urban exploration".

The activity sees people venturing into old properties and photographing and documenting them online.

Merseyside Police said there had been two incidents of trespassing in Southport last week, one at the property above the Sandgrounder fish and chip shop on Neville Street and at the old nightclub at Victoria Health and Leisure on the promenade.

There have also been reports of youths unlawfully entering Hesketh Centre on Albert Road, which is fire-damaged.

Community inspector Graham Fisher said: "I must stress that breaking into a building could amount to a criminal offence, and also they are putting themselves at risk of being seriously injured.

"The Hesketh Centre is a case in point where it is in a dangerous condition as a result of a fire, so it is unsafe for anyone to enter and they could easily become seriously injured.

"Again, the Victoria Health and Leisure building is also unsafe and no unauthorised person should enter it.

"I must emphasise that anyone entering it, is doing so at their own peril as floorboards are missing upstairs so someone could fall through and potentially cause serious injury or fatal consequences. This building is now secure again."

He urged parents and guardians to "please talk to your children about the dangers of entering empty and derelict buildings".

Meanwhile, the force has also appealed for witnesses following a fire which destroyed a Sefton Council-owned Victorian shelter on the town's promenade on 28 July.

It said it would be increasing patrols in the area and liaising with the fire service regarding the cause of the fire.