CATALOGUE OF CATASTROPHES AWAIT CHILDREN IN UNSAFE PROPERTIES, FIRE CHIEFS WARN

'EXTRA VIGILANCE NEEDED AS YOUNG PEOPLE MUST UNDERSTAND THESE BUILDINGS ARE NOT PLAYGROUNDS'

FIRE chiefs have warned derelict buildings pose a "deadly cocktail" of danger over the school holidays after emergency services were scrambled to search for a missing group of Atherstone youngsters.

Parents across North Warwickshire are being reminded of the catalogue of catastrophes awaiting in unsafe properties including exposed utilities, unguarded edges, hazardous materials and objects that can fall from a great height.

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging extra vigilance in the summer break as children are intent on forcing their way into buildings boarded-up to prevent trespassers – and risking their necks.

The increased concerns come after town firefighters were called to assist police officers in finding young people at large in unsafe premises a fortnight ago. All escaped unharmed, according to the WFRS.

Community fire prevention and arson manager Moreno Francioso said: "Those using these types of buildings are leaving themselves vulnerable to serious injury and even death.

"It is essential that young people understand that they are not playgrounds and therefore should not be treated as such."

Warwickshire County Council is calling on parents to alert children to the inherent dangers of derelict buildings.

Fire and rescue cabinet portfolio holder Councillor Andy Crump said: "I urge all parents to encourage their children to play in alternative, safe locations.

"We want our young people to enjoy the summer holidays, but in places where they are not putting themselves or others at risk."