A teenage boy has been rushed to hospital after falling around 15ft through a ceiling inside the abandoned Debenhams building in Plymouth.
It is understood that a group of youths participating in "urban exploring" broke into the former department store.
Emergency services were called to the scene near Royal Parade on Thursday evening, 19 February, with a significant emergency response seen in the area.
Police say a 14-year-old boy, from Plymouth, fell through a skylight at the store after accessing the building.
He sustained multiple injuries, but these are not described as life changing or life threatening. He was taken to Derriford Hospital for treatment.
Inspector Greg Bridgett said:
“There are clear dangers and safety concerns associated with climbing on or around empty or derelict locations.
“The former store has been disused for some time and is now extremely hazardous in areas. We would urge children not to be tempted by this dangerous pastime.
“We will take a robust approach towards any individuals found in derelict buildings and have been working with Plymouth City Council and building owners to tackle any issues around insecure properties.”
A spokesperson for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said:
"We were called at 5.15pm to Debenhams after reports that a boy had fallen approx 15 feet through a skylight to the third floor.
"We sent three appliances and an aerial ladder platform. We searched the building and located the casualty. He was taken to hospital by land ambulance."
South Western Ambulance Service also attended and confirmed one patient was taken to hospital. A spokesperson confirmed:
“We sent one double-crewed land ambulance to the scene and conveyed one patient by land ambulance to Derriford Hospital.”
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