Arrests after children throw bricks from Debenhams

Two boys have been arrested after bricks were thrown from the roof of the derelict Debenhams building in Nottingham city centre.

A security guard reported a group of children throwing bricks and other debris on to the street at about 21:00 GMT on Monday.

Nottinghamshire Police said a 14-year-old and 15-year-old were arrested and bailed in connection with the incident. The force said it was working to identify others involved and make further arrests.

It added a closure order on the site, at the corner of Long Row and Market Street, had been extended until 20 November.

Police said the teenagers were held on suspicion of entering a closed premises in contravention of the closure order, as well as intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance.

Both have been bailed with conditions including not to enter the city centre.

The force said the incident was the latest in a spate of "urban exploring" reports in central Nottingham, where people gain entry into abandoned buildings.

Police said on Saturday that a 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance, entering closed premises in contravention of a closure order and criminal damage after officers identified him as a ringleader for recent incidents, including at the former Debenhams.

He was also arrested and released on bail in connection with a burglary at a school in Ruddington. He has also banned from entering the centre of Nottingham, cannot wear a face covering, and must comply with an evening curfew.

Ch Insp Kylie Davies, of Nottinghamshire Police's city centre beat team, said trespassers "not only put themselves in significant danger but also put the public in significant danger".

She said: "Trespassing into buildings for social media clout isn't clever - it leads directly to police interviews and criminal accountability for damage. This reckless behaviour will not be tolerated."

She added police would press the site's landlords to address new access points that had been identified, and asked parents and guardians to talk to children about the dangers of breaking into empty buildings.

"I have said before, and I will say again, we do not want to be delivering the news to them that their son or daughter has died as a result of being in this dangerous building," she said.

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