POLICE in York have been forced to repeat their warnings on the dangers of swimming in the city's rivers after being called to two incidents.

Officers were called after three men were seen to jump in the River Ouse from Ouse Bridge yesterday.

When challenged by a member of the public they said they also intended to jump from Skeldergate Bridge and the Millennium Bridge.

Officers attended Skeldergate Bridge and found two men swimming in the river.

In the evening, officers were called out after reports of ten to 15 youths jumping into the river from the Millennium Bridge, but found no sign of them when they arrived at the scene.

Sergeant Colin Ventress, of York police, said: "We have had cases in the past where people have died after jumping in the river. We cannot emphasise the dangers enough."

He said that even with the sunny weather the waters stayed cold, which could cause people to get into difficulties regardless of how strong a swimmer they were. People jumping from bridges also run the risk of hitting submerged obstacles.

- An 18-year-old man and a 25-year-old man have been charged with being a nuisance or interference to the safe movement of boats on the River Ouse in the city and are due to appear at the city's magistrates court on Friday.

Updated: 16:17 Tuesday, July 03, 2001