YOUNGSTERS are risking serious injury if they continue to use a disused mill as a playground, police have warned.

Even though the former Vernon Carus mill, on Johnson New Road, at Hoddlesden, has been boarded up, children are still managing to get inside the abandoned property.

Four young intruders have already been hauled out of the complex in the past week and warned about their conduct.

And Sgt Jonathan Cisco, of Darwen's neighbourhood policing unit, fears there will be a casualty at the mill unless parents stress the dangers of playing in the derelict factory.

He said: "It is rundown and there are old wells and rotten floorboards all around. Someone will end up getting seriously hurt unless something is done.

"Parents need to be aware of the dangers and advise their children about playing in old mills. There is nothing there for them."

The mill has been empty for a number of years and is currently awaiting redevelop-ment. Neighbours have previously expressed concern about its dilapidated state. Thieves have also targeted the mill in recent months and removed scrap copper from the premises.

Last summer police suffered a similar problem with intruders, as part of an ongoing campaign of burglaries and criminal damage.

Internal inspections found that damage had been caused to lift shafts, water settlement tanks and flooring.

Talks between owners Miller Estates and police resulted in security being stepped up at the mill but it is believed that teenagers have found new ways into the building.