Three teenagers were found inside a derelict church after reports of vandalism.

Police were called to the church on Norman Road, Gosport, at about 4pm on Sunday, May 18, after a public report.

Officers arrived to hear sounds of glass being smashed, but the three teens inside denied causing any damage, saying it was like that when they got there.

The police reported that the site's dangerous condition, with areas fenced off, some with barbed wire, and the building mostly boarded up, did not deter the children.

The inside of the building is also reported to be full of hazards.

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The police emphasised the potential dangers of such activities, urging children to stay away from derelict buildings due to the risks posed by tetanus, glass cuts, or worse.

They also reminded owners of derelict buildings of their responsibility to keep their properties secure.

In a statement, the police said: "There are about 100 other, much safer things to do in Gosport.

"I know some will say 'that's what we did when we were kids' or 'kids will be kids' but we've no interest in getting into that sort of conversation.

"Please be assured that this is not the end of it; all the parents have given their support, and there will be some follow-up work done with these youths."