YOUNG people are risking their lives in the hot weather by leaping from bridges and habour walls, police have warned.

North Yorkshire Police issued an urgent appeal after revealing it had been dealt with numerous incidents of 'tombstoning'.

At about 3pm yesterday, emergency services were called to Thomason Foss, near Goathland, after a 22-year-old man from Yarm suffered serious injuries when he jumped into the water. He has been taken to hospital by air ambulance.

The police is now working with the North York Moors National Park Authority to warn against the dangers at this location following recent incidents.

In the Scarborough, Filey and Whitby areas, there were problems with young people 'tombstoning' into the sea from harbour walls and piers.

Chief Inspector Rachel Wood, Operations Commander for Scarborough and Ryedale, said: “Tombstoning is an extremely dangerous thing to do and has cost people their lives in the past.

“Sadly, such tragedies will happen again in the future if people – often having been drinking alcohol - continue to take such unnecessary risks at our coastal and countryside areas.

“Our partnership approach to this issue is designed to keep people safe from harm and to do everything we can to prevent serious and even fatal incidents occurring.

“For this to be successful we need the co-operation of the public to be sensible in the first place, and for people to report any concerning behaviour to the police as soon as possible.”

Concerned residents or businesses should report incidents to North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.