People warned against exploring derelict buildings

Emergency services have warned young people not to explore abandoned buildings after call-outs to such sites has become a weekly occurrence.

Hertfordshire Police said it has issued the warning after several incidents in Borehamwood.

People taking part in urban exploring, known as "urbex", has become popular on social media and video sharing websites in recent years.

However, Keith Harland, a group commander for Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, has said the service has been called about once a week to rescue people or deal with fires at these sites.

He said: "I think the police have focused on Borehamwood at the moment with regards to filming and kids exploring, but fires in derelict buildings happen quite common across the county.

"We get maybe one [call] a week, one every other week, to a fire in a derelict building or to assist the police in getting people that may have got themselves stuck on a roof or within the building."

The group commander pointed out there could be "hidden dangers" such as asbestos, exposed wiring or missing floorboards.

Daniel Lewis, a police community support officer from Hertfordshire Police, said that entering buildings without consent could have legal consequences.

He added: "We know that urban exploring is a popular activity and these abandoned and derelict sites often appear exciting or mysterious.

"However, these sites are highly unpredictable, with the potential for serious injury to occur without warning."

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