Urban explorers urged to stay out of former zoo

Police are urging urban explorers not to enter restricted sites after damage was caused to a former zoo.

Devon and Cornwall Police said there had been a "number of incidents in recent weeks" at the former Living Coasts site at Beacon Quay, Torquay, that had led to damage, trespass and arson.

Officers said there were more patrols of the area while ARC Marine, which owns the site, has removed roof netting trespassers had been using.

Torquay neighbourhood Insp Rob Harvey said: "Stay out of the site, do not encourage others to enter, and think carefully before following social media trends that could put you in danger or leave you with a criminal record."

Living Coasts opened in 2003 and closed in 2020 following the impact of the pandemic.

A deal was struck in 2025 for ARC Marine to take over the site.

Harvey said: "There is a misconception amongst some that this site has been abandoned and is there to be explored; that is simply not the case.

"The recent incidents of trespass, vandalism and fire setting at the Beacon Quay site are unacceptable.

"They divert emergency services from genuine emergencies, place those involved at risk and cause unnecessary costs and disruption."

Eunice Godinho, facilities manager at ARC Marine, said netting had been cut open and fire damage had taken time to repair.

"We completely understand why the former Living Coasts site attracts curiosity, but what we are experiencing goes far beyond harmless curiosity," she said.

"We're asking people to respect the site, stay out and not encourage others to enter for the sake of social media content."

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].