TEENAGERS have been told to keep out of a “dark” and “dangerous” former prison.

Police took to Facebook to warn trespassers at the former Bullwood Hall site in Rayleigh that “no-one will hear your calls for help” if they get into trouble.

Officers from the Castle Point and Rochford community policing team said they are only allowed to visit the site in pairs, in case one gets trapped or lost.

They posted: “While we all welcome our kids getting a bit of fresh air, we have also received reports of gangs of youths gaining access to the vacated Bullwood Hall prison in Rayleigh.

“Perhaps this is for an adventure, but believe us this is very, very dangerous. There is security on site, who have dogs. However, youths aged 14 and 15 years old have had to be chased away from the location due to the inherent dangers associated within.

“Police have attended and carried out searches within the grounds and prison buildings. There is a risk to anyone entering this site. In fact, we have to go in pairs in the event one of us gets trapped or lost. By their very definition prisons are hard to break out of, even for police.”

The former women’s prison closed in 2013 and is due to be developed into 60 homes. The site has since played host to squatters, vandals and drug users.

The police post added: “If anyone gets hurt, the police and other emergency services may have a hard time finding them and that’s if anyone even knows. A mobile phone signal is sporadic at best and no one will hear calls for help outside the walls due to its very remote location. This is a very scary place when it’s dark.

“Walls and ceilings are collapsing, the floors are uneven, there is no lighting and there is glass everywhere. Extensive damage has been caused inside which as a result is now endangering anyone who enters.

“This is after the site was sealed and now the landowner has the expense and responsibility of sealing it up again.

“Please warn your children that this site is another no-go area and that police will take robust action with anyone found on site.”