Police issue warning to parents after children injured while ‘urban exploring’ after Northampton incident
Parents are being urged to speak to their children about the dangers of “urban exploring” after a series of youngsters suffered serious injuries at derelict and restricted sites.
Northamptonshire Police has issued the warning following several incidents across the county in recent months, including children suffering broken bones.
A Northamptonshire Police spokesperson said one boy fell through a glass skylight, leaving him with a facial laceration and broken arm, while another child broke their leg while attempting to gain access to a closed-off area.
The warning also follows an incident in Northampton town centre earlier this month, previously reported by the Chronicle & Echo, when a group of youngsters gained access to a roof.
One fell and suffered suspected breaks and fractures, while Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service used an aerial appliance to rescue two other boys who were unable to get down.
PCSO Scott Potter, from Northampton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Urban exploring may appear exciting to some young people, but the reality is that these locations are often extremely dangerous and can pose a serious risk of injury or even death.
“Many derelict buildings are structurally unsound, contain hazards such as broken glass, exposed edges and unstable flooring, and are not designed to be accessed by members of the public.”
He urged parents, carers and guardians to talk to youngsters about the potential consequences before they enter such sites.
PCSO Potter added: “The recent incidents we have attended have resulted in significant injuries and have required a considerable response from the emergency services.
“We'd much rather prevent these incidents from happening than have to deal with the aftermath.”
Anyone who knows of a location being regularly accessed by youngsters is being encouraged to contact police so officers can work with landowners and other organisations to improve safety.