CONCERNS have been voiced after it emerged teenage boys had twice fallen through the asbestos roofs of town centre garages.

The incidents happened recently at garages between Church Walks and Bridewell Lane in Bury St Edmunds.

It is thought those involved in one of the incidents were teenagers running along the tops of the structures when one of them fell through.

On the second occasion it is understood a teenager put his foot through the roof of one of the garages.

Residents living nearby have now voiced their concerns – both for the teenagers themselves and those hiring the garages.

Church Walks resident Simon Harding, said: “It is very dangerous.

“These old asbestos roofs are highly dangerous and we would be so upset if a child or teenager running along the roof could so easily go crashing through into the concrete floor below risking serious injuries.

“It is an accident waiting to happen. This rigid asbestos roofing is so, so fragile.”

He said he understood in one of the incidents a woman’s car had been damaged when a child landed on its roof. In the other incident, it is believed the child used a metal shelving unit to clamber back out of the garage.

Mr Harding urged children and their parents to be aware of the dangers and to cease running along the roofs of the garage.

Valerie Legg, also of Church Walks, said neighbours were concerned about both the potential for inujury and the damage and clear-up costs for those who rent the garages.

Fellow resident Carol Marsh told how she was awoken by one of the incidents and awoke to see teenage boys on the roof.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police confirmed one of the incident had been reported to them.

She said on that occasion one of the garages was left with a hole in the roof and a Toyota Yaris car inside damaged with dents and scratches.

She said the police had also received a separate report of a dented door on a blue Chevrolet Spark which had been parked outside the garages.

“We would advise people to ensure that their property is safe, secure and in good order at all times, and to be vigilant.”

Anybody with information should call the police safer neighbourhood team for the centre of Bury on 01284 774100.