TRESPASSERS trying to cut through a fence at a quarry where an 11-year-old boy died, told safety inspectors they needed the wire mesh to make a rabbit hutch.

Health and Safety Executive inspectors were carrying out an investigation into the death of Gavin Reid at Houghton Quarry when they spotted two men cutting a chunk out of the security fence with wire cutters.

When they approached the vandals and asked what they were doing they replied they needed the wire to complete a rabbit hutch they were making, then ran off.

The act of vandalism came just days after Gavin, who lived in nearby Houghton-le-Spring, fell 100ft to his death from Table Rock, near the entrance to the site. He had got into the quarry through a hole in the fence and police have this week stressed the dangers of youngsters playing in quarries.

Police also confirmed that two local boys were found trying to get through the fencing on Wednesday afternoon.

They were caught by security guards who phoned the police. Officers took them to their homes where they were given "a good telling off" in front of their parents.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "The two 15-year-olds were taken home and advised in front of their parents of the consequences of their actions."

Meanwhile, the Health and Safety Executive head of operations Ian Waugh was at the site to reiterate its safety message yesterday.

He said: "Unfortunately children see quarries as exciting places to play, but they are also very dangerous.

"Every year we see local schoolchildren before the holidays and warn them of the dangers, but obviously it is not always successful."

He confirmed that the Health and Safety Executive investigation into the death of Gavin Reid is continuing and would not comment further on this specific site.

Mr Waugh said: "Quarry operators have a responsibility to do what is reasonably practicable to protect people who are not their employees.

"Unfortunately, every time we go to a local school we speak to a different batch of youngsters about the dangers of playing in quarries. It is not just that some children choose to ignore our warnings, it is that our audience is constantly changing.

"The onus is also on parents to check exactly where their children are and to be responsible and hammer home the dangers."