The daredevils –– known as urban explorers –– get their kicks from venturing into abandoned structures or infiltrating the parts of industrial facilities usually closed off to the public.

And after standing empty for 14 years, the derelict hospital site seems to have become a favoured target for local explorers.

A forum on website www.28dayslater.co.uk contains a number of discussions about visits to the site –– some as recently as last month –– where explorers describe visiting disused wards, operating rooms and even the morgue.

And it also appears the former Mansfield Brewery site was a target for explorers before it was demolished earlier this year.

As the hospital site is privately owned, explorers risk prosecution for trespassing as well as the many dangers associated with entering derelict buildings –– including unsafe roofs and floors, broken glass and the presence of harmful substances, such as asbestos.

The site's owner, M H Adam, this week urged explorers to stay away from the site.

"It is illegal for anyone to enter the site or buildings," he told Chad.
"They are private property and like all building sites and disused buildings there are numerous dangers and I strongly urge that no-one should enter."

Local area commander Insp Sam Wilson said police were aware of the activities of explorers and warned they could be prosecuted.

"Trespassing on private land is a civil offence for which people can be prosecuted," she said. "If these people are also causing anti-social behaviour they can also be prosecuted for criminal offences.

"Local officers and PCSOs are aware of people entering a number of derelict buildings in the area, including the former Mansfield District General Hospital site, for the purpose of taking photographs.

"Police operations have resulted in individuals receiving warning letters about their actions, requesting them not to return to the site.
"Derelict buildings can attract crime and disorder and we are liaising with the owners and partner agencies about the future of the buildings."