Coastguards have criticised young "tombstoners"

who risk life and limb hurling themselves into the sea.

Teenage thrill-seekers ignored warnings to jump off Palace Pier, Brighton, yesterday afternoon as temperatures soared to 27C.

A Solent Coastguard spokesman said: "Tombstoning is madness whichever way you look at it. An individual has no real idea what's under the water they are jumping in and the tidal flows alter the depth of water dramatically.

"It is sheer stupidity.

"People have died doing this and some have been left paralysed for life. It is hardly worth it.

"It is only a matter of time before someone is killed again.

"We know from bitter experience of treating casualties that a couple of hours' work for lifeguards and coastguards can turn into a lifetime of pain for the individual and years of treatment from the NHS.

"I know people see it just as a bit of fun but this type of activity is exceptionally dangerous."

Sussex Police branded tombstoning an "extremely dangerous practice".

On Thursday, a man in his 20s suffered a head injury and broken rib after he jumped off Eastbourne Pier.

In July 2007, a teenager had to be rescued after jumping from Worthing Pier and in 2006 a teenage girl was seriously injured after jumping 30ft on to submerged rocks at Newhaven Harbour.

The good weather not only brought out the crowds but also bagsnatchers.

Police said there had been a spate of opportunist thieves taking handbags and mobile phones left unattended in Brighton's shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. Undercover officers were deployed, along with uniformed patrols to combat the criminals.

Photographs of suspects were circulated to shop security guards and businesses.

Inspector Bill Whitehead said: "As the weather gets warmer, our city's streets get busier with shoppers and people enjoying the restaurants and bars the city has to offer.

"Unfortunately there are those who use this time to steal handbags and mobile phones which have been left unattended in supermarkets, cafés, restaurants and licensed premises.

"People need to make sure that they never leave their belongings unattended, not even for a second.

"These thieves are quick and will take any opportunity they can to steal from your bag."