Police have issued an urgent warning to parents after a child sustained serious injuries during a fall inside an abandoned pub. The child was reportedly participating in the trend of 'urban exploration', where individuals break into derelict buildings to film content for social media.
Incident Details
The child fell inside the Saracens Head pub on Paddock Lane near Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed. Officers said it is part of a worrying rise in young people accessing abandoned buildings.
Inspector Matthew Harvey, from GMP's neighbourhood policing team in Altrincham, has subsequently circulated a letter to parents through local schools in the area.
Social Media Trend
Videos and images uploaded to TikTok and viewed by the Manchester Evening News show an urban explorer touring the Saracens Head pub, venturing behind the bar, and even entering a soft play zone.
Inspector Harvey wrote: 'I am writing to make parents and carers aware of a growing trend among young people known as Urban Exploring or Urbex.'
'Urban exploring involves individuals entering and exploring abandoned, derelict, disused or vacant buildings and sites.'
'Social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat have helped popularise this activity, with videos often portraying it as exciting, adventurous or harmless. Unfortunately, the reality can be very different.'
Police Warning
Police urged against urban exploration. Inspector Harvey added: 'Across Trafford, Greater Manchester and the wider region, there has been an increase in reports of young people entering disused buildings, former industrial premises, construction sites and other unsafe locations.'
'Many of these sites are privately owned and are not intended for public access.'
'I would also encourage you to discuss responsible social media use and the influence that online trends can have on decision-making.'
'Young people should understand that not everything they see online reflects the true level of risk involved. By working together, we can help keep our young people safe and prevent serious injury or harm.'
