THIS is the heart-stopping moment youngsters risk their lives scaling flats on a Southampton housing estate.

While two girls keep watch at ground level, nine boys clamber 50ft-high over residents' balconies and on to the roof.

The shocking picture, taken in Millbrook, Southampton, was handed to the Daily Echo by Hampshire police officers.

Police say it shows the drastic lengths bored youngsters on the estate will go to, all in the name of "fun".

At any moment, a child could have lost his grip and crashed to the ground below.

A resident could have flung open their balcony door and sent one of the boys flying.

Either scenario could easily have had fatal consequences.

Now Shirley police have shamed the individuals caught on camera by showing the photograph and similar shots to their parents.

Five of the youngsters identified in the pictures are now subject to acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs), requiring them to behave for a six-month period.

Insp Howard Povey, head of community policing across the southern Shirley area, said: "All the parents were shocked to see the photographs and the way in which their children were behaving.

"They just couldn't believe what they saw.

"All the youths identified and who had already come to our attention before have now been dealt with by way of acceptable behaviour contracts."

Any youngster who breaches his ABC - which spell out exactly what type of behaviour is deemed unacceptable - will risk being made subject to an antisocial behaviour order.

Police are also in negotiations with city housing officers to ensure the flats at the back of shops in Windermere Avenue are not used as an impromptu climbing frame again.

Safety measures could include removing the 8ft-high porch.