'Tombstone' craze brings new powers for police

A dispersal order comes into force next Friday which will allow police and PCSOs to break up groups of two or more people around Bridlington Harbour and seafront. If they disobey they could be arrested.

The order brought in by Humberside Police and East Riding Council, follows complaints about groups – including adults as well as children as young as 10 – jumping from the walls and their behaviour – shouting, swearing and spitting salt water.

The order runs until October 31, and East Riding Council says they and the Bridlington Harbour Commission are looking for a more permanent solution with the introduction of new bylaws later this year.

Police say they are being called to the Harbour Wall, the Floral area and the steps near the Spa in Bridlington at least once a day at high tide.

Coun Jane Evison said: "This is not about spoiling the fun for young people, but is about ensuring they stay safe this summer, along with protecting the general public. Not only are the young people putting themselves at risk, but they are also causing a nuisance in the area."

There was concern last year at large numbers of "tombstoners" gathering at Bridlington's sea wall, in front of Garrison Square, near the north pier.

One 14-year-old boy was seriously injured and spent three weeks in hospital after suffering a fractured skull, neck and rib, a punctured lung and a blood clot to the brain.

Last month the craze claimed its first victim of this summer in the UK when a teenager plunged 30ft into a disused quarry and failed to resurface.