Humberside Police renew warning over derelict sites

Humberside Police have reiterated concern over children playing in potentially unsafe derelict buildings.

They shared a post on social media asking for care to be taken and reminding those of the dangers associated with such.

“Derelict and disused buildings often mask hidden dangers.

“These dangers are not obvious until it’s too late and serious injury could be caused if such a site is entered.

“Police along with our partners would urge children not to play in or around the derelict building or building sites.

“We would ask parents to talk to their children about the risks of being in a derelict building and prevent what might seem like harmless fun ending in serious injury or worse.”

Humberside Fire and Rescue have issued a warning following an incident that occurred last night at the former art college on Eleanor Street.

In March, emergency services were called to the scene following reports of two children being stuck in the building below a collapsed ceiling.

Fortunately, neither of the children was seriously harmed, and two others managed to make it to safety independently.

Dave Bristow, HFRS Group Manager for North East Lincs, was concerned over the stretch of resources.

He said: “We had three blue light services tied up yesterday evening at an avoidable incident.

“The increase in call-outs to derelict building fires or rescues is a cause of great concern.

“These buildings are inherently dangerous places for those who may be trapped inside and even for firefighters in the event of a rescue.

“Fire damage and water damage from previous incidents may well have made floors, roofs, and stairways structurally unsafe which makes them nothing short of death traps.

“Sending engines to deliberate fires or avoidable rescues anywhere in Grimsby is ultimately taking resources away from where they may be needed elsewhere in North East Lincolnshire.

“I would urge those responsible to stay out of these derelict buildings for their own safety. It is only a matter of time before we are going to be faced with a serious injury or worse.

“I ask that parents and other people who work with children and young people warn them of the dangers they face. Trespassing in derelict buildings could ultimately leave you with a serious injury or even kill you.

“Derelict and abandoned buildings can be dangerous and however much you want to go inside, don’t, it’s not safe.

“Often they’re in a poor state of repair and the floors might be weak or rotted, roofs could collapse at any moment and debris will be lying around or could fall on you from the ceiling.

“Even though a building looks abandoned, it will still have an owner and if you’re on the site without permission you’re trespassing.”