POLICE are appealing for information after reports of youths climbing onto the roof of a former Ashburton pub, raising concerns for their safety.

Police Constable Claire Hurrell says the local neighbourhood policing team have received reports of young people accessing the roof of the Ashburn Inn, formerly the Old Victoria Inn.

The pub has been closed since March, but youths are reportedly using fencing to gain access to the roof of the building.

PC Hurrell warns that such behaviour puts those involved at significant risk of injury, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with CCTV or other video footage showing the incidents is asked to contact police, quoting reference 50260295377.

Police say tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) often requires working with partner agencies, including local authorities and schools.

PC Hurrell said: ‘The youths have been using fencing and any materials available to climb up onto roof placing themselves at significant risk of harm.

‘Local Neighbourhood Officers are asking for any knowledge and information to be shared with the community team for onward contact with South Dartmoor Community College and also for the escalation of any ASB process to be considered.

A range of measures are available under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to deal with persistent or serious problems.

These include civil injunctions, criminal behaviour orders, community protection notices and dispersal powers.

Anyone who has witnessed the incidents or has information that could help police is asked to report it through the Devon & Cornwall Police website or by calling 101.

Alternatively, information can be submitted anonymously via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org