Weston Coastguard Rescue Team was called out to help three people reported to be stranded on Birnbeck Island yesterday (Monday).

Four of the crew were on patrol and arrived on scene soon after the call, while volunteers from RNLI Weston dropped two technicians on the island to carry out a thorough search of the buildings.

Damage was found to the old boathouse doors, but nobody was inside.

During the search, a member of the public said three people had been spotted heading back to shore via the walkway, which is considered to be extremely hazardous.

A spokesman for Weston Coastguard Rescue Team said: “This is considered to be extremely dangerous as the wood has rotted away over the years of neglect and there is a high risk of falling through.

“Luckily this time it seems everyone made it back safely.

“We urge people to look at Birnbeck from the safety of the mainland and use binoculars, not to risk their lives by crossing over.

“There is nothing there but derelict dangerous buildings.”

The break-ins on the island have been reported to the police.