POLICE have issued a safety warning after youngsters were spotted risking their lives in a dangerous game of dare.

Young people aged about 13 to 16 have been seen balancing precariously on the edge of a former railway bridge between Ferryhill and West Cornforth.

Sergeant Aelf Sampson, of Ferryhill police, said: "We were aware that youths used to stand on the bridge and throw stones off which really concerned us because of the risk it posed to motorists below.

"We will prosecute them if found causing danger to road users. But it has recently developed into youths standing on the edge of the bridge, on the outside ledge which is just six inches wide.

"We're really concerned someone could fall off. It's a 25ft drop to the ground and one of them could be badly hurt or killed if they lose their footing."

PC Ken Barclay, beat officer for West Cornforth who has seen youths on the bridge, urged them to think about their actions and urged parents to get the safety message through to their children.

He said: "This is a risky craze and someone will be hurt or die if they continue with it. I'd urge them to stop."

11:36am Thursday 3rd July 2008

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