TEENAGERS have been warned they are putting their lives in danger by using a bridge to dive into the river beneath.

Inspector Eric Robinson, from Cleveland Police, has urged the youngsters not to leap off Leven Bridge, at the bottom of Leven Bank, near Yarm, following increasing concerns one of them may drown.

He said not only are they risking their own lives, but that of other road users as well by congregating on and around the narrow bridge.

He said: "We have had a nice bit of weather and the children are beginning to climb up the bridge and jump 30ft into the river.

"They are at an age where they should know better, but they do not seem to realise the dangers.

"We do not want to see a tragedy this summer where one of them is drowned.

"That message applies not only to this particular bridge, but anywhere in the Cleveland Police Force area."

The River Leven is fast-flowing and last December a 16-year-old boy drowned after being swept away.

In what police described as a tragic accident, the teenager had been fishing with friends when he fell into the water.

One of the group, a 15-year-old, dived in to help him but the current was too strong.

Insp Robinson said: "I would urge parents to be aware where their children may be heading with swimming gear and towels, and to make sure they are aware of the dangers.

"We need to get the message across that this sort of activity is not safe and put a stop to it.

"Not only do children run the risk of drowning, but they could also end up being knocked down by a car on the narrow bridge because they are creating a traffic hazard."

About ten youngsters at a time are meeting at the bridge and police have vowed to step up patrols with officers paying particular attention to the area.