A WARNING has been issued by police after young people were spotted jumping off a bridge into the canal.

Officers were called out three times on Tuesday night to reports of young people jumping off a bridge in Barrowford Road in Colne into a canal.

Police have hit out at the actions of the young people and warned them to be wary of the risk they are posing to people's lives.

Warnings have also been issued over people jumping into similar reservoirs and canals across East Lancashire.

PCSO Ailsa Gill said: "On Tuesday we were called out three times to reports of youths jumping off the road bridge in Barrowford Road into the canal below.

"This not only poses dangers to the children, but also drivers who witness this.

"It may be tempting to cool off during this hot weather, swimming in the local canal and lakes but people need to be aware of the dangers.

"Most of us are aware of James Goodship who drowned in Foulridge reservoir on 22nd June 2014.

"Let's not allow another family to suffer."

This comes after last months dozens of young people and children were spotted playing near Jamestone Quarry in Haslingden.

Eyewitnesses said they spotted people diving off the top of the quarry face in Grane Road and plunging 30 feet deep into bitterly cold water.

In June 2014 17-year-old James Goodship drowned in Foulridge reservoir after he got into difficulty after getting on a floating jetty at Burwain Sailing Club two miles north of Colne.

His mum, Mel Goodship, has since produced a video with the Canal and River Trust warning about the dangers of swimming in reservoirs, even for accomplished swimmers like her son.

Rebecca Ramsay, from Chorley, who lost her son Dylan, 13, when he went for a drip with two friends at Hill Top Quarry in Whittle-le-Woods in July 2011, has launched an online petition to try and warn teenagers about water safety.

The Canal and River Trust also warned about the numerous dangers people could face jumping into canals and reservoirs.

Tony Stammers, from the trust’s safety team said: "Inland waters such as canals, rivers and reservoirs may look inviting on a hot summer’s day, but any open body of water can pose a hazard as the water can often be extremely cold and can bring on cramps in even the strongest swimmers.

"You just can’t train your body for the effects of the cold water and the other hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface like reeds or rubbish which swimmers could get caught up in.

"We always urge parents to make sure their children know how to stay safe."

The trust also warned there is often reeds and other plant life which can get tangled around limbs and rubbish, like shopping trolleys, which can trap your feet as well as cause injury.