PICTURES: Daring teens scale city rooftops in the name of photography

Jamie O’Neill, 15, is one of a group of teenagers who have been trying to scale as many buildings in the city as possible to take these amazing photos.

The pictures are taken from ‘accessible’ rooftops in the city, and in some cases involve the group - called HiRize - getting close to the roof edge to get the best view.

Jamie, who is from Bedhampton but comes down to Portsmouth for photography, said he started taking the pictures a year ago after first taking up Parkour.

Originating from a military discipline, the urban pastime involves people getting from one point to another in a complex environment, like a city, by jumping, swinging, rolling and vaulting.

Jamie said: ‘We don’t do this to be vandals, we just want to take really good photos.

‘I do roof topping and exploring because I actually want to have memories and experiences that no one else has got or done.’

As striking as the pictures are, some of them can be dangerous to attempt - something Jamie admits can worry the parents of those involved in the group.

He added: ‘You get up there and you just want to do something more. It’s the adrenalin.’

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: ‘People trespassing on rooftop areas are putting themselves at risk of serious injury.

‘Parents are encouraged to remind their children of the dangers of this activity in relation to falling from height and entering disused buildings.

‘Do not access private sites unless you have permission from the land owner. Do not interfere with construction sites or equipment. Moreover, respect the property rights of others and don’t take risks.’