Young people who take part in the increasing popular pasttime of free running are being warned they could suffer serious injury, as well as being prosecuted for causing criminal damage.

But the authorities are trying to find a site which they might be able to use legally and safely.

More and more youngsters have been seen climbing on buildings and other structures in Dover, leaping from one building to another, as well as jumping down substantial distances to the ground.

The district council has issued a warning that it can be a particularly hazardous activity, and if damage is caused, those responsible will be dealt with within the criminal justice system.

“The owners of the buildings being climbed upon could also seek action through the courts in relation to civil trespass,” said a council spokesman.

“The most worrying aspect of this activity, and the issue most frequently mentioned in complaints to the police and the council, is that it can take place on high and unsafe structures, and has been known to result, on occasions, in serious injury to young people.”

The police, along with Port of Dover Police, Dover Town Council and Kent Youth Service, are currently having discussions about a possible solution to lack of facilities for free runners to use.

Planning is said to be in the very early stages.