THREE teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of causing ‘significant damage’ to a building in Warrington town centre.

Cheshire Police has also issued a plea to parents and carers in the town to ensure that their children understand the dangers of playing in empty buildings.

A girl aged 16 and two boys aged 16 and 17 are suspected of entering Hilden House on Sankey Street on October 3 and causing significant damage.

They were arrested on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage in the former Department for Work and Pensions building.

In the wake of the incident, officers will be making joint visits to schools with Warrington Borough Council youth services and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

This is to warn children of the dangers and risks of abandoned buildings, which include questionable structural integrity, black mould and entry and exit hazards.

Entering such buildings also brings with it the risk of a criminal record.

Inspector Lee Hillyard said: “We have received a number of calls about gatherings in abandoned premises over recent weeks.

“I cannot stress enough the dangers of visiting disused buildings and the risk of injuries they pose, as the buildings are in quite bad disrepair.

“I very much understand the need to see friends and socialise, but there are much safer places for young people to meet, such as Warrington Youth Zone.

“We do not want to have to be knocking on the doors of parents or carers to deliver the upsetting and tragic news if someone is seriously injured, or worse, because unbeknown to them, the children were playing in an unsafe and derelict building.”

Anyone who sees children entering empty properties should contact Cheshire Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Confirmation has been sought over the building in question on Sankey Street.