Ref. 71763-19A DERELICT building in Dorcan is a deathtrap where children could be killed, say police.

Youths are breaking into the former SEB building in Faraday Road and causing havoc.

PC John Brixey, the beat officer for the area, said: "These children are causing a great deal of damage. There is running water up there that the kids have gained access to and water has been seen pouring out of the building.

"It really is a deathtrap and someone could die in there. We want to make the kids aware that if they continue to go in the building they might not come out again."

Firefighters have been called to the building eight times since Christmas and have put special measures in place because they fear for the safety of their firefighters.

And neighbours have reported incidents where rocks have been hurled into nearby offices from the top floor of the building.

Police fear the building on the Dorcan Industrial Estate, which has been empty since 2001, is becoming structurally unsound.

Although it has been boarded up, some of the boards have been ripped away and youths are still gaining entry to all floors.

Mark Gaskarth, of the Wiltshire Fire Brigade, said it was a matter of great concern. He said: "To have had eight incidents there in as many months is unprecedented. We have had to put special measures in place to make sure firefighters are aware of the risks. It is difficult to tackle a fire when a building is in this condition."

Nearby residents are also growing increasingly concerned. One woman, who did not wish to be named, said the problem has worsened since the chool holidays. She said: "It's an eyesore. There are lots of teenagers hanging around up there but I don't know who they are. "Why aren't their parents aware of where they are?"

Children are rumoured to have built an unofficial skate park on the top floor.

A spokesman for Tyco, the electronics company near the derelict building, said he was concerned for the safety of the children and the company's workers.

He said: "We have had to send our own security guards up there. Youths get into the building and almost every day now rocks are being hurled at our building. Someone could get killed if they were hit."

The building was sold to Swindon Council in July 2001 and has since been bought by Gloucestershire-based Icon Two.

Director John Lewis said: "We have submitted a planning application for the development of the site and demolition of the structure.

"Negotiations with the planning authority have become protracted. We are hopeful of an early resolution so we can speedily proceed."

Emma-Kate Lidbury