'Reckless' behaviour at harbour 'risking lives'

Jumping off harbour walls can lead to cold water shock and other injuries

A warning has been issued about reckless and anti-social behaviour around a waterfront, which is said to be risking lives.

Warmer weather and the start of the summer holidays had led to people taking part in potentially life-altering or fatal activities, Plymouth Harbour Authorities Liaison Committee said.

Young people jumping off harbour walls - known as tombstoning - swimming in prohibited areas and vandalising life-saving equipment has increased, the committee added.

A spokesperson said tombstoning could seem fun until "an accident happens". They warned it was "extremely dangerous and costs lives".

The activity can lead to cold water shock, being swept away by strong currents and injury due to lower-than-expected water depths.

The committee said 20 people had died from tombstoning since 2004 and a further 70 were injured. The youngest person injured was 12, they added, while the oldest was 45.

"Don't jump into the unknown," the committee spokesperson warned.

Kim Downer, interim CEO of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, said a small minority of people were damaging visitors' impressions of the waterfront through anti-social and dangerous behaviour.

She said business had also been impacted, adding: "No one should have to feel unsafe in their workplace [because of people who were] determined to cause trouble."