A GROUP of youths were caught on CCTV breaking into a building site and climbing over scaffolding.

Images of at least three young children were posted on a community Facebook page.

The youngsters can be seen climbing on scaffolding around the Hopkins Homes development known as Colne Meadow in Robinson Road, Brightlingsea.

A message with the CCTV images said: “Just a polite notice to the youths who were trespassing on the site of the Hopkins Homes development [Wednesday] evening – please ensure you stay off the property as it is private and dangerous as it is a working building site.

“You will be liable for any damages caused by yourselves under civil law.

“Images from CCTV footage has been sent to Essex Police who are investigating but just wanted to send a message to the teenagers and their parents to prevent it happening again.”

Police said they attended and issued advice to the youngsters.

The site has its own security guards patrolling and is believed to be under 24 hour surveillance.

It is not known how the children managed to get into the site.

A spokesperson for Hopkins Homes warned of the dangers of trespassing on building sites, saying the company will always follow up matters with police.

He said: “We are aware of an incident where a small number of people criminally entered our building site.

“We have alerted the police to the trespassing incident who are completing further investigations.”

He added: “Our building sites are guarded by security perimeter fencing and security guards patrol the sites.

“Entering a live building site is not only dangerous but also a serious criminal act which we always pursue with the police.”

Some residents on the community page condemned the actions, while others felt it was just ‘kids being kids’.

The site is for 115 homes, including apartments, bungalows and houses.

The bid was given the green light by Tendring Council last summer.