Teenage 'urban explorer' hospitalised after trespassing on roof of derelict building in Northampton's Market Square

Northamptonshire Police were called at around 3pm on Wednesday, September 9 after reports of people trespassing on the roof of a derelict building in Market Square, believed to be the former Corn Exchange.

Officers attended the scene and found three boys on the roof of the building.

A police spokesman said: “One teenager remained at height after reportedly sustaining an injury prior to emergency services arriving on scene.

“Due to concerns for the teenager's safety, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) and East Midlands Ambulance Service were called to assist. The teenager was safely brought down and taken to Northampton General Hospital with a suspected wrist injury.

“Enquiries established that the teenager had travelled to Northampton as part of an activity known as "urban exploring", which involves accessing abandoned or restricted buildings.

“We would remind people that entering derelict or unsecured buildings can be extremely dangerous and carries significant risks, including serious injury or death. Such incidents can also require a substantial emergency services response.”

A Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “We were called to a rescue from height incident in Market Square at 3.20pm on Wednesday.

“An aerial appliance and a support appliance from Moulton Fire Station attended the scene, where firefighters safely rescued two teenagers from the roof of a building.

“The teenagers were then left in the care of Northamptonshire Police and the East Midlands Ambulance Service.”