GOSPORT police have warned that children are putting their safety at risk by exploring abandoned boats and buildings.

Officers have spent several days visiting derelict sites in the town, including the fire-ravaged Anglesey Lodge in Anglesey Road, Alverstoke.

Youngsters have also been found inside a former research facility at nearby Fort Road.

Posting on social media Gosport police said: "We continue to receive reports of people exploring inside, despite the dangers within.

"Yesterday, five more children were removed from the Fort Road site. While there, officers encountered lots of potential hazards, which could easily result in serious injury or worse.

"If you suspect any of your children are visiting these sites, please strongly remind them not to. They simply not safe."

Anglesey Lodge was once used by Hampshire Autistic Society.

The Grade II-listed building is thought to have been vacant for several years when it was destroyed by fire in 2020.

The blaze was attended by ten crews from Gosport, Fareham, Portchester, Southsea, Eastleigh, Wickham, Bishop's Waltham, Cosham, Romsey, and Bordon.

Eight pumps and two water carriers were called in to bring the fire under control.

For many years the Fort Road buildings hosted a diving research centre that carried out experiments on goats.