Port Of Dover Police Launch Tombstoning Safety DVD

In the first initiative of its kind, Port of Dover Police will bring the dangers of tombstoning into classrooms and local community organisations in a bid to deter local youngsters from joining the increasing number of people seriously injured, often fatally, each year. A new DVD is being funded by Dover District's Community Safety Partnership, which is a multi agency partnership working to make sure the district remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

With the help of local schoolchildren, who participated in the filming, the DVD follows a tombstoning incident and subsequent rescue with the help of Dover Coastguard and the South East Ambulance Service. Also taking part in the film is Sonny Wells, a young man from Waterlooville Hampshire, who was paralysed jumping from a jetty in Southsea in 2008, in a moving interview he tells of his battle to overcome his devastating injuries. Sonny is fully behind the project and will be attending the event to support the launch.

Temporary Chief Inspector Neil Care, Port of Dover Police said: "Tombstoning is a phenomenon that takes place the length and breadth of the country every year and sadly often ends in tragedy. This powerful DVD is aimed at educating those that may be tempted to participate in tombstoning and highlights the dangers and potential implications surrounding the activity. If it saves just one life it will be worth it."

Nadeem Aziz, Chairman of the Dover District Community Safety Partnership, said: "This is a very important issue in coastal towns and is something that can have devastating effects on individuals and their friends and family. We all must play our part in discouraging this dangerous and potentially fatal activity, and we are very pleased to be able to fund this project."