Youngsters, who have been jumping into the river from Teddington Lock footbridge during the sunny weather, were warned today that they were risking their lives.

Shocked eye-witnesses claim that up to 20 youngsters, who had gathered on the beach area opposite the Anglers Pub had leapt into the water from the Bridge.

Howard Miatt, who owns the nearby Boat Shop and operates the Teddington Harbour moorings, told Teddington Nub News:"They just don't know what they are doing. Some of them are just trying to impress their girlfriends

"In some areas the water will only be 7ft deep and there is also sorts of debris underneath the water like cables and metal which could cause really serious injuries."

Howard, who plans to inform the police, was further outraged yesterday when unidentified kids removed the vital life rings from their positions and hurled them into the river.

"These kids get into the river and then swim out to the pontoons and dive off the side and sometimes get on the boats. Yesterday the life rings were removed and thrown into the river. They cost £60 or £70 each.

"They are there to save people's lives and if they are not available someone could drown. It's soul-destroying to see these things happen."

Two were later retrieved from the beach area and one was fished out of the river by lock staff from the Environment Agency,