SHP warns teenagers of dangers of drinking on West Hill
| Published: 22nd May 2008 09:28 |
The Safer Hastings Partnership is issuing a warning to teenagers after a recent rise in the number drinking alcohol and acting anti-socially on the West Hill on Friday and Saturday nights.
According to Hastings Coastguard, just last Saturday night a teenage boy was seriously injured when he fell 20ft, sustaining a puncture wound to his head and a gash over one eye.
Bud White, Station Officer of Hastings Coastguard, said, "That fall could've been fatal. Young people need to realise that the West Hill and cliffs in general are not safe places to play at night, especially when drunk."
Sussex Police is increasing patrols around the West Hill area and other known hotspots for under-age drinkers. Sergeant Alan Gates of the Neighbourhood Specialist Team in Hastings urged parents to make sure they know where their children are and what they are doing.
He added, "I have grave concerns that this recent trend for under-age drinking on the West Hill will end in tragedy."
Sgt Gates also confirmed that Hastings Police Officers are using all the powers at their disposal to deal with this problem, and warned young people that their parents will be notified if officers speak to them about this type of anti-social - and dangerous - behaviour.
