Pokemon Go gamers risk danger near cliffs

Public safety: Kinnaird Head Lighthouse attracts players

Pokemon Go fans are dicing with danger by playing the game beside cliffs at a north-east landmark.

The Kinnaird Head Lighthouse in Fraserburgh is named as a “gym” in the new mobile phone-based craze.

And scores of players have been making their way to the rocky outcrop – often in the dark.

Now the chairman of the port's community safety group fears youngsters – who have their noses buried in their handsets – could miss signs of danger while catching cartoon monsters.

Last night Brian Topping called for parents to be aware of where their children were playing and the risks they were taking.

The Fraserburgh councillor said: “I don't want to be a killjoy, because if it's getting them out of the house and away from their computers, then great.

“But there are potential dangers out there that people should be made aware of.”

Within days of the game's release, a university student in Japan was taken to hospital after falling down a flight of stairs while playing.

And in the United States, a 28-year-old crashed his car into a tree while trying to capture cartoon monsters in Alabama. Councillor Topping added: “I think some shops are even going to now ban people from coming in and using their phones.

“But obviously, it’s a new craze. If it keeps people amused then that’s fine. As with anything else, though, people have got to be careful. It’s a bit like people listening to their music, walking down the street with their headphones in and crossing the road unaware of what’s going on around them.

“By all means, have fun with it, but be extra vigilant and be extra safe. Especially if youngsters have it, parents should be aware of the danger.”

The game's legions of fans also recognise there are dangers associated with the app.

Fraserburgh man Andrew Henderson, 30, has been playing Pokemon Go since it officially launched in the UK, and is a regular visitor to Kinnaird Head as a result of its status as a gym.

“It’s a good game,” he said. “But yes, I admit it can be dangerous while walking about – but only if you’re not paying attention to your surroundings. I guess it’s no more dangerous than walking about while glued to Facebook."

Photographs: Kevin Emslie CLIFFTOP: The area around Kinnaird Head Lighthouse where people are playing Pokemon Go.

The clifftop area is liable to subsidence