POLICE have been called to a Coleford quarry five times following reports of children on the site.

Since the start of the hot weather, local officers have been called to Stowfield Quarry in Newland near Coleford five times.

Reports of children breaking into quarry grounds and diving into water has now prompted a public safety warning from police in the Forest of Dean.

Local PC Duncan Arinze is urging parents and children to be aware of the dangers and avoid the quarry lake.

"We've had youngsters cutting fences to gain access, swimming and doing 'tombstones' into the water.

"Putting to one side the fact that cutting a fence is criminal damage, it's so dangerous to swim and dive in the lake, particularly as the depth of the water is very deceptive.

"In the last few days it has become really shallow in places so if you hit it from a height you could injure yourself badly.

"On top of that the area is quite remote so if you do hurt yourself it could be some time before help arrives.

"There are signs on site but people have been ignoring these, which is why I'm making this appeal – parents are warned."