SIX boys risked death playing in a lift on Ramsgate seafront yesterday. They stopped the Edwardian lift in mid journey and forced open the protective doors.

Then they climbed into the shaft. One fell to the bottom but escaped injury before council staff managed to get them all out.

Cllr Dennis Hart, Thanet Council cabinet member for land and property, said: “I was appalled to hear of this incident. I urge all members of the public to report such acts of stupidity to the police.

“Qualified engineers are the only people who should ever contemplate entering a lift shaft.”