YOUNGSTERS are being warned not to set deliberate fires and to avoid swimming in open water this summer.

Officers from the police and fire service have joined together for the Stay Safe4Summer campaign which aims to target dangerous and anti-social behaviour.

They are also urging the community to help make their local area safer and are asking parents and guardians to maintain a line of communication when their children are out during the school holidays.

GMP Detective Superintendent Chris Downey said: “The holidays are a chance for young people to have a break and unwind, but it’s important to remember that there are many other people who will be enjoying activities and events and we are urging everyone to be socially responsible this summer.

“We will be working with partner agencies to deliver activities for young people but I also want to appeal to parents and guardians to take an active interest in where their children are and what they are doing. We want everyone to have a great summer but a safe one too.”

Fire Service area manager Damian O’Rourke added: “This year to help keep our young people safe we are focussing on a number of key themes, including water safety and deliberate fires involving young people.

“We don’t want to stop people having fun over the summer months, however, safety is paramount so we want to remind young people, and their parents and carers, of the dangers associated with our water ways. As the warmer weather approaches we urge you to take care when out and about around canals – such as those in Manchester City Centre, which have sadly claimed too many lives already. Please don’t walk alone along canals and always try and plan your journey home at the start of your night out.”