YouTube bridge jumping condemned

Police have appealed to the public not to jump from the bridge

Police have condemned the "immaturity and stupidity" of young men who filmed a friend leaping off a bridge over a river in southern Scotland.

The footage shot on the Devorgilla Bridge in Dumfries appeared on video sharing website YouTube.

Ch Insp Michael Collins said that anyone leaping into the waters from the bridge risked serious injury.

He said the behaviour would not be tolerated and police would take action to stop any repetition of the incident.

The film shows a group of youngsters encouraging their friend to jump off the bridge.

I would appeal for the assistance of local youths to ensure that this practice is not encouraged or repeated Ch Insp Michael Collins

He then drops into the water below before swimming to the shore.

Police have regularly warned in the past about the dangers of jumping from the bridges in the town into the River Nith.

"I am astounded at the immaturity and stupidity of the youths concerned," said Ch Insp Collins.

"Sadly I have had previous personal experience of youngsters getting into difficulties swimming in the area of the Caul and it is fortunate that no injuries were sustained in this instance."

He said he was not aware of any complaints from the public about this incident but said police would take action in future before anyone was "injured or killed".

In addition, he urged anyone wishing to cool off during a spell of hot weather to use proper swimming facilities.

"I would appeal for the assistance of local youths to ensure that this practice is not encouraged or repeated," he said.