This teenager, pictured climbing to the top of the ruins of Minster Lovell Hall, was risking his life and the future of the historical site itself, according to English Heritage.

The boy spotted at the top of the ruins of Minster Lovell HallThe boy was spotted by Dawn Williams of Oxford Road, Kidlington, as she visited the west Oxfordshire beauty spot.

She said: "God knows how the idiot got up there but, if he had fallen, the site would have been shut to the public and if he had survived he would have been shouting for compensation.

"There was no obvious way up to the top of the ruins, like a broken staircase, and most people would not have dreamed it was possible to climb up the walls.

"Apart from the danger to the idiot there was also the danger to people underneath as he was knocking off crumbling stonework as he climbed.

"If he had fallen, he could have landed on someone and hurt them.

"Also, he was damaging the building for future generations.

"The boy was one of a group of four who appeared on bikes, making a row through the village."

The ruins are the remains of the 15th century manor house built by Lord Lovell, whose grandson became a staunch supporter of King Richard III. In some places the original plasterwork is still visible.

A spokesman for English Heritage, which manages the historic site, said: "We strongly discourage people from doing this kind of thing, for one thing because it's dangerous, but also because this is an important historic building.

"There are no permanent staff at the site, so it's important people don't damage it to make sure these sites stay open to the public.

"We would ask members of the public who see this going on to contact us."

English Heritage's headquarters in Swindon can be contacted on 0870 333 1181.