Youths are being warned to keep away from a derelict care home in Whitehaven due to fears over safety.

Councillor Carl Walmsley says teenagers are putting themselves at risk by entering the empty Pow Beck care home on Mirehouse.

Although the building has been sealed off by the county council, Coun Walmsley said youngsters have been going inside and climbing on the roof, which he warns could lead to a fatal accident.

The councillor has now issued a plea to parents of the estate to speak to their children about the dangers.

He said: "Please can all parents off the estate and surrounding areas have a crack with their teenagers and explain not just the law regarding entering and damaging the building, but the dangers.

"A fall from that height could easily be fatal. It's incredibly dangerous. Kids please avoid until it's re-boarded and made secure."

He added that he had spoken to his own teenage son about the risks.

Councillor Mike Hawkins, who has reported the problem to the county council, has also issued a warning to the trespassing youths and their parents.

"Stop doing it. It's for your own safety. You don't know what's in there. If you have an accident, think about the consequences.

"Parents, make sure you know where they are. Is it something you want your kids to be doing? I don't think so.

"It's dangerous and they shouldn't be doing it."

A spokesperson for Cumbria County Council said: “Please refrain from entering the site – it is not a public space and we’d urge people not to climb on the roof in the interests of public safety.”

Pow Beck care home closed last year ahead of a new facility opening on the former Sekers site in Whitehaven.

The new care home, which has been named by the county council as The Gables, will replace four older ones in the area: Dentholme, Castle Mount, Pow Beck and Brackenthwaite.

The former Pow Beck building is due to go up for auction.