Youths trespass at 'extremely unsafe' building

Three youths wearing ski masks and balaclavas have been trespassing at an "extremely unsafe" abandoned care home, police have said.

Avon and Somerset Police said it had received multiple reports of the unauthorised entry and further damage to the former Petersfield Elderly Persons Home in Portishead. The security system at the building detected motion from the youths on 11 July.

The owners of the building were aware of the incidents and had been given security advice, police said.

Anybody with information has been asked to contact the force.

One of the youths has already been identified by officers, the force said.

Officers added the building was not deemed safe to be entered by anyone other than qualified tradesmen.

Police said the young people gained access to the site via the south boundary wall near Parsonage Court, which caused distress to residents.

Sgt Timothy Stride, from the North Portishead and Clevedon neighbourhood policing team, urged people to stay away for their own safety.

"The building is unsafe and anybody who accesses it is at risk of serious injury, or worse, and we are urging parents to make sure they know where their children are and to make sure they are aware of the dangers they potentially face at this site.

"The risks are not only associated within the building, but trying to gain access via rooftops is particularly dangerous.

"What we want to reiterate is this building is extremely unsafe, and people should stop trying to access it," he added.

Additional patrols will be carried out by officers in the area.

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