Police are warning youths to behave safely around fast-flowing water after a number of alarming incidents in Aberdeenshire.
Officers are investigating an incident on the North Esk River, near Marykirk, after a youth was seen causing issues at a private salmon fishing area called Canterland.
The boy, described as being of secondary school age, was warned to stay away from the river and people catching fish.
But instead, he sourced an inflatable pink flamingo pool toy and began riding the river rapids perilously close to the sharp rocks and anglers’ fishing hooks.
A second incident at another privately leased area - Kinnaber Fishings in St Cyrus - was also reported to police after a car was vandalised.
A youth had been seen running over the vehicle and smashing its windscreen.
Both incidents have taken place since lockdown restrictions were eased prompting a safety warning from officers.
Constable Marc Camus, of the Stonehaven Community Policing Team, said: "It’s understandable that people want to enjoy the water, but basic safety principles exist that are there to protect yourself and those using the river in a responsible manner.
“Youths attending, throwing waste, and other rubbish into the river will not be tolerated.
“The implementation of CCTV and motion detector equipment will hopefully capture the main culprits before the waterways are polluted and businesses damaged”.
Police would urge anyone with information to call 101 and quote incident 2908 of 16 July 2020 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
