'Drunk' youths in woods fire risk
Police have warned parents that "boozing" children are risking their lives by trying to set fire to woodland in Bedfordshire.
Bluebell Woods in Leighton Buzzard has been "plagued with rowdy, boozing youngsters gathering and camping" late at night, officers said.
Over the weekend, trees were damaged, others were cut down and attempts made to set them on fire.
Police said emergency vehicles would struggle to reach the secluded area.
Lives at risk
Pc Danielle Taylor said: "With the children being intoxicated they are risking their lives."
She added that a girl found in the woods was taken home by officers but her parents had believed she was at a friend's house for a sleep-over.
"The vast majority of teenagers are perfectly well behaved, but the youngsters we found in Bluebell Woods have often told their parents they are staying at each other's houses," she said.
"Bluebell Woods is not to be used as a dumping ground and a haven for young drinkers."