A WARNING has been issued to youths endangering themselves by climbing on the roof of a Rishton church.

St Charles' RC Church posted on social media about four youths trespassing last Saturday on the roof.

They were seen on CCTV images and church bosses posted an appeal urging the youths not to do it.

In a statement on Facebook, it said: “Do you know these trespassers on the roof of St Charles' Church here in Rishton?

“If you are the parents of these youths please tell them to stay home and protect lives - not much social distancing here.

“If you don’t know where your children are please ask them.

“Many thousands of pounds of damage have been caused over the years by youths in our church and school grounds and buildings.

“If you see any youths on our roof in the future please call the police.”

Cllr Jeff Scales, who represents the Rishton ward, said: “St Charles' Church is very close to my heart as we have been part of it.

“The issue is that during lockdown people have been less vigilant and that means people can get away with things they have not previously.

“It is awful to hear about kids on the flat roof and you think about the dangers and the damage it could cause. I would urge parents to be aware of where their kids are.”