PARENTS are being asked to keep an eye on their children in the final few days of the summer holidays after a group of youngsters broke into a warehouse narrowly escaping serious injury or death.

Police and businesses around Teesside are urging parents to drive home important safety messages to youngsters after an incident in a Thornaby shot-blasting and painting company.

They fear youngsters could be seriously injured or even killed if they continue to break in to industrial units.

The incident happened sometime over the bank holiday weekend when the youths broke through asbestos sheeting to get into the premises.

While inside they switched on cranes, which were carrying huge four-tonne steel plates and had been carefully positioned ready to be moved yesterday.

In addition to this, the intruders entered a paint area where a high percentage solvent paint is stored.

The slightest spark, even from a cigarette, could have set the whole place ablaze with tragic consequences.

PC Ken Harland, from Thornaby police, said: "The youngsters are literally dicing with death. They are trespassing into industrial units and it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed.

"This particular unit contained specialist equipment, which needs to be used by adults who have been specially trained.

"Young people are seriously at risk if they fail to take notice of these warnings."

Last week, a ten-year-old girl was taken to Middlesbrough General Hospital after she plunged six metres to the ground through a plastic skylight.

The incident happened after the girl, along with two other ten-year-olds, climbed onto the roof of Caldicotes School, at Brambles Farm, Middlesbrough.

She fell to the floor when the skylight shattered, injuring her head and leg.

Acting Detective Inspector Chris Garner, of Middlesbrough CID, said: "Empty school buildings during the holidays can prove a magnet to children, but what can start as an adventure can end in tragedy.

"Parents should tell their children to stay well clear."

Anyone with any information about the warehouse incident is asked to contact Thornaby police on (01642) 302610.