'Don't take the risk' - Warning after 30 schoolchildren spotted 'tombstoning' at South Shields coast

Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) issued the warning following an incident on Tuesday, May 26.

Emergency services attended Frenchman’s Bay in South Shields after a gang of around 30 young people were seen jumping off cliffs.

A reminder has now been issued for young people to resist the temptation to jump off cliffs, piers and bridges. The risk of hitting unseen objects could lead to life-threatening injuries.

Chief Inspector Nicola Wearing, of Northumbria Police, said: “It might be seen as just a bit of fun, but it could take crucial blue-light resources away from other genuine and life-threatening emergencies.

“Those individuals who do jump are rolling the dice and putting their health and well-being at risk.

“They do not know if there are submerged rocks in the waters below and a bad landing could result in life-changing or even fatal injuries.

Richie Rickaby, Area Manager for Community Safety at TWFRS echoed the warning and urged teenagers not to add extra pressure on emergency services.

He added: “Jumping into any body of water is dangerous and frankly reckless – you’re putting yourself, your mates and the emergency services who come to your aid all at risk of serious injury or even death.

“Don’t take the risk and put extra pressure on our emergency services.”

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