Dicing with death

GANGS of youths are risking their lives by diving into the path of boats in Newhaven Harbour.

Teenagers have been playing 'chicken' a potentially deadly face-off game with harbour traffic after leaping into the water.

Port manager John Howarth said: 'These kids are jumping into the actual harbour, in front of boats playing what I believe they call "chicken".

'When we speak to them to warn them about the danger they are abusive or just laugh and then throw stones at the navigation lights in retaliation.'

Groups of around 10 youngsters, both boys and girls, aged 13-15, have been congregating at the southern point of West Quay and diving into the harbour mouth. Some are not even making sure the water is deep enough to break their fall.

Mr Howarth said: 'It is just a matter of time before these children seriously injure themselves. They have not got a clue what obstructions are down there.'

He said the youngsters risked serious injury from underwater piles and beams which could not be seen from the surface.

Just 18 months ago one swimmer broke both legs when he dived in.

During term-time port security camera footage of the youngsters is taken to Tideway School so teachers

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