HISTORIC buildings across East Lancashire are being targeted by ‘urban explorers’ who trespass and post reports and photographs online.

Yesterday the Lancashire Telegraph revealed how a group of three men climbed to the top of the 279ft India Mill chimney in Darwen in the dead of night with little safety equipment.

Now more reports concerning mainly derelict structures in the region have come to light on an internet forum.

The craze has been criticised by safety campaigners, who are worried about ‘copycatting’ by children.

Last weekend one person bypassed security measures and entered the old Rossendale Hospital buildinf.

They said: “After spending what felt about four hours finding a way in, hearing dogs bark, voices and footsteps, we were slightly not bothered about the whole place.

“Looking back at the other reports it seems as though this place has suffered from vandals and wire theft somewhat, it was still ok just not what we were expecting.”

Other urban explorers — who risk being arrested for breach of the peace, and sued for trespass — have this month entered the derelict Holding Bros Pottery site in Oswaldtwistle.

In March people entered the Blackburn Royal Infirmary, which is partly-demolished, and has been targeted several times in the past.

In January, “Chewy” got inside Bridge End Mill in Waterfoot, Rossendale.

Huncoat Power Station, Lambert Howarth, Burnley, Papermarc, Burnley, William Blythe’s, Hapton, and Accrington Conservative Club have also been targeted in previous years.

The Royal Society For The Prevention of Accidents has said there is a ‘major concern’ about ‘copycatting’ by younger children.

While MPs, council leaders and a mayor slammed the practice as ‘incredibly dangerous’.