Dog walkers face Army guns risk

People have been seen on the ranges during Army practice

Dog walkers and youngsters are putting their lives at risk by crossing Army firing ranges.

Trespassers have been spotted on Middlewick firing ranges during practice, according to Udai Gurung who runs the Colchester site.

The range was closed on safety grounds but is now back in use.

The Army hosted a public meeting in Colchester on Friday to discuss the issue with residents.

'Fences broken'

Mr Gurung said: "After concerns about safety the ranges were closed for six months to allow repairs to boundary fences and danger signs.

"Although this has been done there have been two cases of fences being broken through and we have seen dog walkers on the ranges during danger periods.

"Youngsters have also been seen on the ranges during firing.

"No serious incidents have happened yet and we want to make sure people are aware of the dangers and of our intention to prosecute for trespass.

"We are warning them off publicly for their own good."