AN investigation has been launched after children risked their lives climbing on an historic castle's ruined walls.

Pictures of three youngsters walking along the top of walls at Richmond Castle, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, were taken on Sunday afternoon by local photographer Chris Fenwick.

Another image shows four children posing in one of the castle's windows.

The images were widely shared on social media on Sunday evening.

The photographs divided opinion online, with some people criticising the stupidity of the youngsters while others suggested it was just "boys being boys".

One person commented: "They're lucky none of them fell and broke their necks. Hope they got a grilling, my daughter certainly would have."

But another added: "I'm glad some young folk still have that spirit of adventure - used to be a dare when I was a young 'un."

Someone else said: "If you don't do things like that when you are young you only grow up to be whinging old gits."

The grade-one castle, which is designated as a scheduled monument, is owned by English Heritage.

A spokesman said they were investigating.

“We have been made aware of the incident and are investigating how this happened.

"We ask all visitors to Richmond Castle to refrain from climbing on the walls, and work closely with local stakeholders, including the police, to prevent incidents like these.”

North Yorkshire Police said they were unaware of the incident.