'Serious risks' Police warning over online trend at dangerous sites

An internet trend for exploring abandoned buildings and derelict structures has sparked safety concerns in Weston-super-Mare.

- Shannon BROWN

Police say they have received multiple reports of young people breaking into disused buildings in the town centre and Ashcombe area as part of the TikTok urban exploration trend. Reports indicate large groups of young people were involved, raising concerns about safety, criminal damage and antisocial behaviour, Avon and Somerset Police said.

A statement from the force's Weston town centre team said there have been a “noticeable increase in calls” in recent weeks.

The statement added: “These incidents often involve large groups and are occurring with growing frequency, raising concerns around safety, criminal damage, and antisocial behaviour.”