GANGS of teenagers are risking their lives trespassing on a derelict hospital site to compete in organised fights.

Police say they have discovered that those using the grounds of the boarded up hospital as a fight den have also been found drinking and taking drugs.

Now officers are warning parents to be on the alert and ensure they know where their children are throughout the summer months as they crack down on the problem.

Daily Echo:

Hampshire police say issues surrounding the old building at Moorgreen Hospital in West End have been ongoing for about a year – and they are called out at least once every week to reports of anti-social behaviour, smashed windows, and obscene graffiti.

They have also been called out to stop an organised fight on the land off Botley Road, which spiralled from two people into a large group of young people.

Youngsters involved sustained minor injuries and no further action was taken.

Police say young people are not only travelling locally fromWest End and Hedge End but also from Harefield, Thornhill, Sholing and Hamble.

Daily Echo:

The building is owned by the Homes and Communities Agency but is now looked after by Barratt Homes, who have taken measures to improve security there.

Now parents are being urged to call police if they believe their son or daughter is aware of pre-arranged fights.

They said: “Parents please be alert to the possibility of this happening and talk to your young people about the very real dangers involved.

“Please speak to your young people about being part of the crowd and encouraging others to fight – several young people have been involved in this. It is seen as exciting and fun by some, but someone usually ends up getting hurt.”

A spokesperson from the Homes and Communities Agency said: “There are serious risks to entering derelict buildings, and we would urge all parents to work with the police, and alert young people to the dangers involved.

“We take security at all our sites very seriously.”

Daily Echo:

Mims Davies, MP for Eastleigh, pictured above, said: "I'm very concerned because it's a dangerous building and should anyone get hurt it would be difficult to potentially find them. It's very important that parents and carers make sure they know where their youngsters are."

Jon Green, construction director at Barratt Homes, said: “The buildings and site have been secured, we fully support the police alert and continue to work closely with them at this site.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101.

  • Have you been to the fight club and seen any of the violence? Do you have any pictures or video footage of what has been going on? If so contact us via website@dailyecho.co.uk or call 023 8042 4522.