VANDALS have been condemned for tampering with lifesaving equipment in Teignmouth, just hours after the deaths of two men in the water off Torquay.

The life ring at the Quay appeared to have been removed and thrown onto a tall gantry.

Devon Sea Safari slammed the culprits for putting lives in danger. 

The company, which runs sea tours and trips from Teignmouth’s Fish Quay pontoon, appealed to parents to stop their youngsters ‘hanging out’ at the quay.

They pointed out that a teenager had broken ribs recently after falling from the quay wall. 

The incident was seen the same morning as two young men were reported to have died after being pulled from the water further along the coast at Oddicombe. 

Devon Sea Safari said: ‘So on the same morning that two young men died in the sea just a short distance from us, I find the life saving equipment at the quay has been tampered with. 

‘It’s quite unbelievable that someone could do such a thing. 

‘Today I’ve seen so many people out on boats, kayaks and paddle boards without life jackets and appropriate clothing. 

‘It only takes a few moments for things to become dangerous around the coast. 

‘Keep yourselves and your loved ones safe, wear life jackets when on the water. 

‘And please local parents remind your kids that the Fish Quay is a dangerous place to swim from. 

‘It’s unacceptable that teens are tampering with lifesaving equipment and the fishing gear. 

‘Please stop your children from using the Fish Quay to hang out. 

‘Thank you to all our local heroes that have to deal with the aftermath of poor decisions around our coast.’

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