THE COASTGUARD has issued a warning to people tempted to go tombstoning after police and the RNLI were called at 3am to reports of drunk people on Bournemouth Pier.

“Jumping from piers, cliffs, rocks or other structures into the sea can be very dangerous," said James Instance. Duty Controller for HM Coastguard. "Conditions can change quickly and a change in tide can dramatically affect the depth of the water. What was a deep pool at lunchtime might be a shallow puddle by teatime. And you just don’t know what hazards may be lurking under the surface until you are hurt or worse."

His warning came after Dorset Police confirmed they were called out at 3.36am yesterday to assist the RNLI with reports that people had jumped into the water from the pier. "Officers attended but were quickly stood down once nothing was found," they said.

Mr Instance said: “We’ve seen a rise in tombstoning incidents in the last few weeks and in the last seven years we’ve had four deaths and 28 injuries caused by tombstoning. If you’re thinking about cooling off in the sea please make sure you’re aware of the dangers."