Person got stuck while trespassing on closed bridge

A warning has been issued after a person got stuck while trying to climb over the gates of a closed bridge and had to be rescued.

Derby City Council said "several individuals chose to endanger their own lives" over the weekend by climbing over safety fences and attempting to cross the bridge in Darley Abbey.

The bridge closed in May 2022 due to safety concerns and is set to be demolished under emergency powers. A temporary bridge was installed as a replacement but that was also shut in December 2025 due to the unstable riverbank.

Round-the-clock security is currently stationed on the village side of the bridge, the council said, "to ensure public safety and deter trespassers".

The authority said the site remained "highly dangerous" and any attempt to cross the "structurally compromised" bridge could trigger a collapse and pose a "severe" risk to life.

Demolition contractor Cawarden has been at the site since Monday to begin preparatory works to remove both the old bridge and temporary replacement.

Council officials previously described the process as "extremely complicated" and said no timeline was currently in place for its completion.

"Teams are also actively working on ways to temporarily stabilise the structures while this work takes place," the council said.

"Our absolute priority is protecting the community and local infrastructure."

The authority has warned people not to force their way on to the bridge, enter the site or the water near the bridge or weir under any circumstances.

A proposal for a new bridge has been put forward for funding from the East Midlands Combined Authority.

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