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# Teen rushed to hospital after 'falling 15ft' through ceiling inside Plymouth Debenhams
- URL: https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/teen-rushed-to-hospital-after-falling-15ft-through-ceiling-inside-plymouth-debenhams/
- Published: 2026-02-19T21:10:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-02-21T13:24:07.000Z
- Author: Seamus McCoy
- Tags: Plymouth City Centre, News, #editors-picks

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.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/74/83/7483ab0e-4e89-48b0-a2a9-d29bc2bbbe08/content/images/2026/02/Emergency-services-respond-to----serious-incident----at-abandoned-Debenhams-in-Plymouth-4.png)

****Emergency services at the scene.** (Image: Submitted)

Emergency services were called to the scene near Royal Parade on Thursday evening, 19 February, with a [significant emergency response seen in the area](https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/emergency-services-respond-to-incident-at-abandoned-debenhams-in-plymouth/).

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](https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/tag/derriford-hospital/) for treatment.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/74/83/7483ab0e-4e89-48b0-a2a9-d29bc2bbbe08/content/images/2026/02/Screenshot_20260219-202246-1-1.png)

****The teenage boy fell through this ceiling.** (Image: TikTok)

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](https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/tag/plymouth-city-council/) and building owners to tackle any issues around insecure properties.”

A spokesperson for [Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service](https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/tag/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](https://www.plymouthplus.co.uk/tag/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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