No warning signs at death quarry

Amber Worth was struck on the head by a large rock

A teenager died at a South Yorkshire quarry because there was no fencing or warning signs to deter trespassers, an inquest jury has ruled.

Amber Worth, 13, was struck on the head by a large rock at the quarry in Grimethorpe, near Barnsley, last April.

Jurors found there was easy access to the site, no security patrols and no effective barriers to prevent trespass.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is considering whether to prosecute the quarry's owner.

The inquest at Sheffield Crown Court had heard from an engineering expert that the state of the fencing at the quarry failed to meet regulations to deter trespass.

Jurors heard that thieves stole boundary fencing as quickly as it was replaced.

Staff 'devastated'

The inquest heard how Amber, from Brierley, near Barnsley, and five friends had headed into the quarry by sliding down steps cut into the face.

The site had been a haunt for local children for many years, the jury was told.

Amber had been in the area for about 15 to 20 minutes when the three-foot (0.91m) wide, half-tonne block of sandstone fell on her. She died instantly.

After the hearing the Crown Prosecution Service said it would not pursue a criminal prosecution against Carlton Main Brickworks Ltd, which owns the quarry.

The HSE has not made a decision on whether it will bring its own prosecution.

Carlton Main Brickworks chairman Oliver Stephenson said in a statement: "I and all my colleagues were devastated by the tragic accident at our site last year.

"This was a tragedy for Amber's family and for her friends, and one which we will not forget.

"Since the accident we have been determined to do all we can to learn from it and to prevent anything like this from happening again.

"We constantly review our safety and security measures to make them as strong as possible and will continue to do so."