Headteachers from five West Cornwall schools have penned a letter to parents expressing their alarm over the safety of teenagers in the area, following a spate of boozy beach parties. The heads of Humphry Davy School, Mounts Bay Academy, St Ives School, Cape Cornwall and Hayle Academy are raising the alarm about recent beach gatherings that could endanger the wellbeing of young people.

The letter, dated March 27, sent by William Marshall, Simeon Royle, Simon Horner, Jon Hall, and Melissa Lock, reads: "We are writing to bring to the attention of all our parents on ongoing concerns regarding gatherings of young people at the weekends in St Ives, which may pose risks to their safety and wellbeing. It has come to our attention that large parties are being organised in and around Porthminster beach, often without appropriate supervision. A number of older individuals, some of whom are from outside the local area, have been attending these gatherings.

"This has raised serious concerns about the safety of our young people. Additionally the police have been called to respond to some of these events due to the disturbances and highlighting the escalating nature of the issue.

"While we understand the social nature of adolescence, we are deeply concerned about the potential risks associated with these unsupervised gatherings.

"These include exposure to unsafe environments, peer pressure and possible involvement in inappropriate or harmful activities like alcohol and drugs. We kindly urge parents and guardians to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of their children."

The headteachers offered straightforward advice to parents and legal guardians, including knowing the whereabouts of their children, discussing safe choices, and having open communication.

They continued: "By working together as a community, we can help ensure that our young people remain safe and supported."

Just two days after the letter was sent out, Devon and Cornwall Police had to intervene at a beach party in Hayle.

Hayle Police dispelled false rumours on Saturday that had been circulating online, claiming that hundreds of youths, some allegedly wearing balaclavas and armed with knives from Camborne, were causing trouble.

The force said: "Despite several posts on local social media sites, there were no weapons or violence seen or reported directly to the police. One post in particular mentioned over 100 children on a train from Camborne, some wearing balaclavas and having knives.

"This train was met by officers and between 35 and 40 children alighted, none of whom raised any suspicions that would give rise to the lawful use of a stop search power.

"We would like to remind people, again, that if they wish to report a crime, anti social behaviour then they should do this to the police, not to Facebook."

The officers, however, did retrieve and dispose of alcohol found with several youths involved in the incident.