A WARNING has been issued by police over youths hanging off motorway bridges as part of a social media craze.

Officers were called to 'several incidents' on Monday night of people hanging off motorway bridges.

When officers spoke to the young people involved they said it was a Snapchat challenge to post pictures leaning over bridges.

A warning was put on social media by officers across Bury, including in Radcliffe.

On Twitter, Inspector Jim Jones, from GMP's Bury borough, said: "Officers tonight have attended several incidents of people hanging off motorway bridges. Those spoken to claim it’s a Snapchat challenge to post pictures leaning over bridges. How irresponsible can you get. Please help nip this in the bud and RT."

On Facebook, GMP Bury South called youths and parents to stay clear of motorway bridges.

In a post, officers said: "Urgent appeal. Please can all youths and parents alike stay well clear of motorway bridges. There have been recent reports of youths climbing over bridges to take photos of vehicles passing below - following Snapchat/ Facebook requests. These place are very dangerous places and people are putting themselves in great danger in doing so. To date police have responded to numerous such incidents."

GMP Radcliffe added that it 'must stop immediately before someone is injured'.