YOUTHS jumping off the sea defence in Gorleston are putting their own and the lives of others at risk, police have warned. The unruly behaviour - known as tombstoning - is a regular problem for police in the summer and parents have been urged to play their part in warning their children about the behaviour.

YOUTHS jumping off the sea defence in Gorleston are putting their own and the lives of others at risk, police have warned.

The unruly behaviour - known as tombstoning - is a regular problem for police in the summer and parents have been urged to play their part in warning their children about the behaviour.

Officers from the local safer neighbourhood team (SNT) are working with lifeguards and volunteers from Gorleston Coastwatch in a bid to tackle the problem.

Tombstoning is against the law and punishable by a fine of up to �1,000.

Sgt Lewis Craske said: “This activity is potentially very dangerous to young people and those who end up getting involved in rescuing them. We would ask that young people refrain from doing this and realise that we will deal with those caught doing it.”

The warning comes as the Gorleston SNT opened its summer beach base on the Lower Esplanade, in a link-up with the borough council.

It follows last year's initiative which proved popular with residents and businesses in reducing anti-social behaviour problems.

Sgt Craske added: “So far local people have been very positive and by the number of callers it is clear that at this time of the year there is a need. We are frequently dealing with routine matters, such as low level nuisance and by being on hand with any issues that people want to report. The message is come and tell the beach bobbies your concerns.”

The beach base will be manned daily by officers between 10am and 3pm on weekdays and up to 6pm on Saturdays.