More than 100 people have put their lives at risk by cooling off in a dangerous quarry as the heatwave continues to bite.

Kent Police say the alarming number of swimmers - including babies and pensioners - have been seen in the inviting waters off Rochester Road, in Aylesford, in the past two weeks.

The worrying development comes after two swimmers died at a quarry in Worcestershire earlier this month.

Antonio Iantosca, a PCSO for Aylesford, said: "From my patrols I know that in recent days there have been up to 100 people, from babies to the elderly, swimming in Aylesford quarry.

"Kent Police has received calls to the quarry area from people concerned that members of the public should not be on the site, but any issues with trespass are a civil matter for the landowner to deal with."

The land is privately owned by cement supplier Cemex UK and is not suitable for swimming.

PCSO Iantosca said neighbourhood officers have made regular visits to site to warn families - and have also had to deal with anti-social behaviour and obstructive parking.

Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, issued her own warning on Twitter after she saw numerous tweets from young people who were at the quarry.

"I'm truly horrified," she said. "This is something that is really worrying and needs to be addressed. People need to realise the dangers of swimming in open waters as it can be fatal.

"We want everyone to enjoy the summer weather but they need to stay safe."

Stuart Skilton, community safety manager from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Jumping into a river or lake to cool off on a hot day might sound like a good idea, but all too often it can end in disaster.

"Regardless of your swimming ability, if your clothing becomes snagged or the current is too strong, you are going to get into difficulty."

Rob Doody, operations director of Cemex UK said: "We would strongly urge people not to go into quarry sites for their own safety. To date there have been six swimming related fatalities in disused or restored quarries owned by other companies in Britain.

"The lake at Aylesford quarry may look very tempting, but it is extremely deep and cold with vegetation under the surface. Swimmers could easily get tangled in weeds or find themselves in shock or with cramp.

"Please don't take the risk."