Nuisance youths who are risking lives by diving off Harwich Quay could face prosecution

Sgt Peter Wood, of Harwich police, said a fatal accident was possible if teenagers kept messing around there.

The rowdiness is thought to be having a negative effect on tourism as visitors witness the behaviour

Now police and the Harwich Haven Authority are working together to introduce new legislation that would see youngsters behaving in this way being bought before magistrates for public order offences.

Sgt Wood said: "The situation has become intolerable there and I've been in touch with Captain David Shennan, the harbour master, to work together on this.

"It is the safety of the youngsters and other people as well which is being put at risk and we've had reports of young people swimming in the water and jumping off boats, off the roof of the visitor centre, the Ha'penny Pier and the quay."

Sgt Wood said youths were using bad language and some had thrown water bombs and jellyfish at elderly people as part of their pranks.

Nigel Pryke, chief executive of Harwich Haven Authority, said: "It is the same old problem when we get one or two children and young people in the hot weather who jump into the sea."

He added the by-laws would have an effect on swimming in the area and would make it easier for police to take action.

Published Tuesday August 13, 2002

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