Warning to stay away from abandoned psychiatric hospital

Police are urging people “to do the right thing” and stay away from an abandoned psychiatric hospital.

Officers have issued a warning following a rise in anti-social behaviour at the derelict Bangour Village site in West Lothian.

On Friday, three people were charged with vandalism at the site. The following night emergency services were alerted to a fire.

The bad behaviour follows social media posts encouraging people to visit the ‘spooky site’ during lockdown.

In response, police are highlighting the health and safety concerns surrounding the dangerous buildings and reminding people of the coronavirus lockdown measures put in place to help save lives.

Chief inspector Alun Williams said: “We are aware of reports about people entering the Bangour Hospital site and I would encourage people not to do this.

“There are derelict buildings on the site which aren’t safe for visitors – potentially taking emergency services away from other duties, and there are parking issues and concerns affecting the local community.

“Our officers are patrolling the area and speaking with the owners and site security.

“Three people, aged 23, 23 and 24, were charged with vandalism at the site on Friday. A fire was reported on Saturday night, which we responded to alongside the fire service.

“The regulations remain that people should only leave the house for very limited purposes, for example for basic necessities, for exercise or recreation, for medical needs or travelling for work which cannot be done from home.

“We are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to protect the NHS and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading.”