NI Water has urged children and young people to keep away from its construction sites, reservoirs and other operational areas over the Halloween holidays, warning that trespassing for thrills can lead to serious injury.

As mid-term begins, the utility said some locations are closed to protect the public and should never be treated as places to play or explore.

Patricia McKee, NI Water's Facilities Manager, said: "Halloween can encourage some children and young people to seek out extra scares by entering areas they know they should avoid. We are reminding everyone that NI Water sites can be dangerous places and should never be used for play or recreation. We have seen an increase in young people taking risks for 'likes' on social media; what may seem like harmless fun can lead to real life horror if they have an accident on a site. "We are also asking the public to remain vigilant and report vandalism or antisocial behaviour at our sites. Damage, trespassing, scrambler use, dog fouling and dogs being off leads can all impact our operations and divert valuable resources away from delivering essential services.

"This Halloween, make safe choices, stay away from NI Water sites and leave the scares to the trick and treaters."

The company highlighted simple safety steps:

1. Barriers and fences are there for protection during construction works — do not climb them.

2. Trenches and open manholes are dirty, deep and dangerous, and may contain hazardous gases.

3. Take care near roads — never run out from behind parked vans or lorries.

4. Keep clear of equipment such as diggers, lorries and pipes — do not touch.

5. Obey 'Danger' signs — reservoirs and treatment works can be extremely hazardous, so stay well away.

6. Remember many sites are isolated and may have poor mobile coverage, making it difficult to call for help.

NI Water is asking everyone to make safe choices this Halloween and to report any vandalism or antisocial behaviour they witness at its sites.