'Urban explorers' urged to avoid historic mansion
Police said the behaviour of the intruders was "nothing more than vandalism"
- Published
Police in Paignton have urged "urban explorers" to keep clear of historic Oldway Mansion.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the behaviour of the intruders was "nothing more than vandalism" and was "highly dangerous".
The building in south Devon is currently covered in scaffolding and sealed off with fences as Torbay Council begins to repair and renovate it.
However, groups have been evading security to get inside the Victorian structure.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service,, external a recent video posted on TikTok showed a group of at least four "explorers" inside Oldway, filming the marble staircase, statues, the ballroom and a number of rooms on the upper floors.
Police in Torbay posted a warning on social media at the weekend in response to abandoned buildings being targeted throughout Torbay.
They said: "They are putting themselves and others at risk.
"This appears to be following the trend of urban exploration which began from people exploring abandoned ruins for photographs or historical interest.
"However, the behaviour being reported to police and partner agencies amounts to nothing more than vandalism."
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