BORED youngsters are risking more than just bumps and scratches in summer holiday pranks at Preston docks.

Some groups of schoolchildren have been spotted stripping off and diving into the water at the docks.

And not only are they risking injuries, they are also ignoring a poisonous blue algae which has been discovered in the water.

Councillor Marcus Johnstone, who represents the Riversway area, said the issue was causing concern among dockland residents.

He said: "Aside from the fact that dock is so icy cold, which could cause the heart to stop beating, it isn't deep enough for diving and no-one knows what is lurking beneath the surface.

"We also have a problem with algae, which is already worrying residents because of the foul smell it causes.

"It is poisonous and I dread to think of the consequences should someone swallow it. This game can potentially be a killer."

Mary Sadler, from Clitheroe, visited the docks earlier this month and saw children diving in.

She told the Citizen: "The stench from the dock was so horrendous one of my daughters was sick.

"If it is that bad from the side of the dock, what can it be like actually in the water? I saw youngsters jumping in just yards away from where the algae was.

"They told me it didn't matter because they could swim."

Anyone who witnesses youngsters playing in the dock is urged to call Preston Police or the dock authorities.

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