SHOCKING pictures have captured the moment youths scaled to the top of Barnard Castle's tower - risking a potentially fatal fall from its huge height.

The pictures were captured on Bank Holiday Monday and have raised concerns for health and safety at the major County Durham landmark.

Prompting widespread outrage among those in the town, the pictures have left residents and businesses appalled by the scenes.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Jacqui Kindleyside, manager of the Golden Lion, in Barnard Castle, feared of the potential fatal consequences of the dangerous activity.

Ms Kindleyside, who took the pictures on her mobile phone, said: "I was shocked.

The Northern Echo:

"Our pub looks into the castle and my husband said there was a boy and girl on top of the tower. Because I could zoom in on the phone I could see the boy.

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"I didn’t know what to do. They might find it fun, but if something happens they could fall off there and kill themselves.

"They must have climbed over some walls to get access."

Ms Kindleyside posted her pictures on social media in a desperate bid to raise awareness of the dangers at the site.

She said: "I know people have done it in the past. I just thought for safety reasons I would post the pictures.

"Kids do silly things. We’ve all done silly things, but the fact that it was right on top of the castle.

"Kids are going in there at night. It’s an English Heritage site. They shouldn't be there."

To view English Heritage's response click here

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