A GANG of teenagers are dangerously leaping across the canal and coaxing other children to attempt to jump.

Thomas Neale, 67, caught the teens leaping across Bilford Top Lock, near Bilford Road, on his door camera numerous times and has reported it to West Mercia Police.

He and others fear that a child could end up dying if they were to misjudge the distance and fall into the water.

He said: "The first incident was on Monday afternoon and I posted stills of the video on a Facebook group as the person had actually trespassed onto my property.

"The second incident was on Tuesday and the kids were a lot younger.

"It was difficult to make out the dialogue but appeared that they were persuading the one to jump.

"It was over about six minutes before he jumped and landed only just across.

"As they had not been on my land and were much younger I have not posted the images as I am not sure about the legalities although quite a few people on social media said they wanted to know if their child was involved.

"We have noticed at school out time it happens regularly, especially on Fridays for some reason.

"I have spoken to the school and Councillor Neil Laurenson who also spoke to the school and they promised a letter to parents and another mention in assembly."

Mr Neale estimates that the people he has seen jumping have been between the ages of 13 and 15 years old. 

He has reported the incident to the police and is waiting for a member of the Safer Neighbourhood team to contact him. 

West Mercia Police confirmed that officers have received reports of people jumping over locks on the Birmingham and Worcester Canal in Worcester.

West Mercia Police urges everyone to enjoy the waterways in our region safely.

"Water can contain dangers that cannot be seen from the surface and care should be taken at all times.

"Anyone who experiences difficulties in the water should call 999."

Councillor Karen Lawrance said: "I was brought up around the corner from there and it was not something we tried then." 

In 2016, 17-year-old Sean Stevens tragically died after falling into the canal at Bilford Top Lock.

He had been "shadow boxing" with his friends before the accident on March.

In December 2011, a 12-year-old boy named Robert Fidoe who could not swim died at Stourport Lock as there were no life rings nearby. 

His friend said that they had been cycling near the canal when Robert insisted on crossing the lock via the narrow bridge rather than using a bigger bridge further up.