‘Urban explorers’ need rescuing from mud after sneaking into quarry | UK | News
Unfortunate ‘urban explorers’ need to be rescued from knee-deep mud after sneaking into a quarry (Image: Lancashire Police)
Police have criticized young urban explorers for their “stupidity” after launching a massive rescue operation as they waded through knee-deep mud in a rain-soaked quarry. Five teenagers had broken into the Brick Works quarry at Checker Lane, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, on the evening of Friday 6 February 2026.
But when two of the teenagers became stuck in the mud and were unable to move due to the heavy downpour, they had to call 999 for emergency help. A total of five ambulances, four police cars and five fire trucks were sent to rescue the young people who were “extremely cold” and slightly injured during the major operation.
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Police said their officers waded through “thick, sticky mud,” climbed a wall and crawled under fences to reach the teens.
Lancashire Police later criticized the youths for ultimately diverting a large number of emergency resources, such as life-saving paramedics, fire and rescue teams and officers who could respond to crime incidents.
Police said: “Lancashire Police, along with colleagues from North West Ambulance and Lancashire Fire and Rescue, were called to the Brick Works quarry in Checker Lane, Skelmersdale, following concerns about a group of youths.
“They thought it would be a good idea to trespass on the quarry site and ended up stuck in the mud.
“This situation created a serious burden on the emergency services, where 4 police patrols, 5 fire pumps and 5 ambulances were on duty to save young people from getting stuck in the mud.
“It was pitch dark, the weather was very cold last night and it was raining heavily. The rescued young people were slightly injured even though it was muddy and extremely cold.
“The outcome of this could have been much worse, due to the weather and temperature, as well as other hazards in the quarry, especially if the young people had not had mobile phones.”
They added: “Due to the location and remote time of day, no one would have known they were trapped. “I would like to use this opportunity to remind everyone of the dangers in these areas.
“While it may seem like a good idea to explore, there are many dangers often hidden in these areas, such as quick-sinking mud, sheer drops and dangerous equipment.
“Not to mention the burden and cost on emergency services who have to be diverted from other incidents due to the stupidity of a small number of people.
“Please make sure you stay away from these areas and avoid putting yourself in unnecessary danger. Be careful and stay safe.”
Emergency services including five ambulances and five fire trucks came to the rescue (Image: Lancashire Police)
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) confirmed fire trucks from Skelmersdale, Ormskirk, Penwortham, Darwen and Preston were involved in the incident, as well as a Lancashire Fire and Rescue drone.
It was stated that the teams rescued the two injured people from the mud and were at the scene for about two hours.
After Ormskirk and Rural West Lancs Police posted on Facebook, social media users criticized the young people for wasting vital resources.
Lisa Johnson wrote: “What a waste of resources. Parents really need to know what their kids are doing but well done to everyone involved in the rescue.”
Will Lomas wrote: “I hope no one has an urgent need for one of these ambulances. It’s a shame to have FIVE ambulances tied up.”
But Jenni Davies defended the children, explaining: “Are children stuck and not classed as an emergency?
“How can this be a waste of resources when children need help and the emergency services come and help them? Who can say who deserves an ambulance more! They are children who made mistakes!”
