THRILLSEEKERS have been branded 'idiotic' after scaling a 220ft crane on a landmark Southampton building site before performing a handstand on top of it.

The stunt was performed on a crane at the WestQuay Watermark development and has sparked outrage among city leaders who have condemned the actions of the pair.

Daredevils Danny Morgan and Simon Russell broadcast their stunt online, attracting more than 1,000 views as they take their passion for ‘free-running’ to new heights.

But they have been blasted by safety campaigners and city leaders who say they risked their lives by climbing up the crane without anything to stop or protect them from falling.

Cllr Sarah Bogle, who represents Southampton Bargate, said: “It is idiotic behaviour, unacceptable and unsafe.

“The Watermark structure is an important new building for the city and we would appreciate it not being broken into.”

By day, Danny, 23, works as an engineer while Simon, 26, is a chef. They met through fellow Southampton daredevil James Kingston, who is known for completing similar jaw-dropping challenges across the world.

The pair posted a video of them apparently breaking into one of the tallest cranes in West Quay’s, Watermark.

The video sees them entering the building site and making their way up a set of stairs and Simon then continues to walk to the end of the crane’s arm, putting both hands on a stead surface and then lifting his body up in the air.

He said: “The ascent to the top was a number of ladders but the increase in height keeps you on your toes. Once you’re up there it’s a mixed feeling of awe and adrenaline - yet at the same time there’s something very peaceful about it.”

But the pair could face legal action after the security firm in charge of the site said they had reported the matter to police.

A spokesman said: “The safety of our staff and the general public is our highest priority and we have robust security measures in place to protect everyone on or near any of our sites. We are aware that two individuals illegally broke into the West Quay Watermark site on Saturday afternoon and are investigating the circumstances thoroughly. We have seen the film on social media of their dangerous and highly irresponsible activities and we have reported the incident to the police.”

WestQuay Watermark bosses also reiterated the warning to the public not to enter its building site.

Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen, said that the taxpayers will have to pay if an investigation is launched.

He said: “I definitely think that it’s a foolish thing to do and breaking in is a criminal act and people will have to pay for that in some way. But it’s also dangerous and if it all went wrong then someone has to go and put it right and they maybe really seriously injured or something even worse.

"I think they should review their current security measures to prevent anyone else trying the same stunt and to prevent opportunist thefts."

Danny said it is a “natural instinct” for free runners to want to explore.

He added: “We sneak in, respect our surroundings, don’t obstruct any work or damage property and when we get spotted climb straight back out and disappear.”

The pair said that they were safe while attempting the breath taking tricks on the crane. Danny said that their disciplines and reaction times are skilled enough to do handstands at 220ft high.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RSPA) has said that people should think of the consequences because it affects many people if things go wrong.

Report by Leanne Sheill