Police have issued a warning to parents after a child was seriously injured in a horror fall inside an abandoned pub while taking part in the growing trend of 'urban exploration' — where participants break into derelict buildings and film the experience for social media.
Incident at Saracens Head
The alert comes following an incident at the Saracens Head pub on Paddock Lane, near Dunham Massey, Altrincham. Greater Manchester Police confirmed the youngster was 'seriously hurt' during a fall inside the property, highlighting what officers say is an increasing trend of young people entering disused buildings.
The incident has prompted Inspector Matthew Harvey, of GMP's neighbourhood policing team in Altrincham, to write to parents through local schools in the area.
Urban Exploration Trend
Urban explorers have previously targeted locations such as the former Coronation Street set in Manchester city centre, and more recently Stretford mall, reports the Manchester Evening News. Footage and images posted on TikTok, and viewed by the Manchester Evening News, show an urban explorer wandering through the Saracens Head pub — roaming customer areas, venturing behind the bar and even into a soft play area. The footage does not capture any fall, and it remains unclear whether it is linked to the incident.
A brief search of 'urbex' content for the Manchester area reveals people filming inside a disused cinema and even what appears to be a hospital setting. Following the latest incident, Insp 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 Influence
"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. 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."
Insp Harvey highlighted the dangers, which include falling through 'unstable floors, roofs and staircases', before adding: "Many sites may appear abandoned but can contain hidden dangers that are not immediately obvious. Social media content often fails to show the real risks involved and can encourage others to imitate dangerous behaviour in pursuit of views, likes and online recognition."
Call to Parents
"I would ask all parents and carers to speak with their children about the dangers of urban exploring and to take an active interest in where they are spending their free time, particularly during evenings, weekends and school holidays. Please encourage them to think carefully about the potential consequences of entering abandoned or restricted sites."
"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."
