FIREFIGHTERS issued a stern warning to daredevil children risking their lives by swinging on a rope across a perilous 50 foot drop.

Firemen and police officers attended a wooded area in Accrington yesterday after a call from a worried resident of nearby Laund Road, who feared it was only a matter of time before a child using the home-made swing was injured.

Yet within one hour of firefighters dismantling the swing, youngsters had again erected the rope and stick contraption.

Station officer from Accrington Fire Mick Holmes warned: "These children are putting their lives at risk.

"The rope is attached to a branch and if that breaks, they will fall 50 feet into a valley."

He added that a similar accident happened last year when a young girl fell off a swing into a valley and was knocked unconscious and suffered back and arm injuries.

Schools in the area will issue warnings during class time.

Mr Holmes added: "If parents allow their children to use the swing, they are putting their lives at risk."

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