Young "urban explorers" are being warned of the consequences of trespassing in derelict buildings with more than 70 reports in the town this year.

Suffolk police has issued a warning after identifying more than 30 young people.

Since June, Ipswich Central has worked with partner organisations including Ipswich Borough Council and building owners to ensure security and CCTV is tightened at certain sites including the former Paul’s silo building or ‘Octopus’ building on the Waterfront.

Urban exploration – sometimes referred to as ‘UE’ or ‘urbex’ - is the exploration of manmade structures, usually abandoned ruins or hidden elements of the manmade environment.

Suffolk police said warning letters and advice around the dangers of ‘urban exploring’ have been issued to young people including the potential criminal offences they commit if found inside a building.

The force said "should warnings not be heeded, police will consider prosecutions".

Parents have been asked to remind their children of the dangers of entering derelict buildings due to unsafe structures and other hazards.

An Ipswich Borough Council spokesperson said: “The borough council takes all reasonable measures possible to secure its property.

“Entering someone's property without permission amounts to trespass and all landowners should take preventative measures to secure their premises if they are aware of urban explorers entering them or believe this to be a potential threat.

“Such measures could include installing gates, fences, locks, cameras and even third-party security to secure the perimeter and prevent access from being gained easily.”