Three base jumpers posing as paying visitors prised open a window and launched themselves from the top of Blackpool Tower on Sunday, in what the local authority called an "extremely dangerous" stunt. In footage posted to social media, the trio can be seen jumping from the window as members of the public, including children, look on.
Blackpool Tourism Ltd said the jumpers appeared unhurt, but said the incident could have had "catastrophic consequences for both those involved and members of the public", and confirmed it had contacted police. The jumpers, known as LMSD (Let's Make Stupid Decisions), said "safety and meticulous planning sit at the absolute core of everything we do".
The trio from LMSD, who say they are the UK's largest base jumping school, used a specialist tool to unlock the windows they jumped from. Blackpool Tourism Ltd denied they had been able to open them "with ease" and said the windows were "securely locked". It said a full internal inquiry was taking place and Lancashire Police were involved.
LMSD, however, said the "windows were far from secure".
The base jumpers could be seen opening a window on the viewing platform of the Blackpool Tower
A Blackpool Tourism Ltd spokesperson said: "On Sunday morning, three individuals posed as paying visitors to the top of The Blackpool Tower before parachuting onto a nearby building and the promenade.
While the footage may give the impression that they were able to open a window with ease, this was not the case.
All windows at the top of the tower are securely locked. However, the individuals brought a specialist tool which enabled them to discreetly unlock one of the windows. This followed failed attempts at several other windows.
The spokesperson added: "While the individuals appear to have escaped without injury, parachuting over a busy promenade and active tramlines created an extremely dangerous situation that could have had catastrophic consequences for both those involved and members of the public."
The footage showed the view on the way down
LMSD said in a statement: "As LMSD, the UK's largest BASE jumping school, safety and meticulous planning sit at the absolute core of everything we do.
Contrary to claims that this jump created an unexpected or uncontrolled hazard, this project was planned meticulously far in advance by experienced professionals.
On the day of the jump, LMSD had multiple operational options and landing contingencies prepared.
We waited patiently for the right weather, wind, and ground conditions required to execute the jump safely for both our jumpers and the public below.
The statement continued that "the windows were not compromised or damaged in any way" and that "the windows were far from secure".
Furthermore, what observers or the council interpreted as 'failed attempts' were, in fact, successful tests.
As part of our thorough preparation, LMSD safely opened and closed a few different windows to assess conditions before selecting the exact exit point for the jump.
As the UK's largest BASE jumping school, LMSD remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of preparation, equipment integrity, and risk assessment across all our activities.
Police said inquiries into the incident were "ongoing".
Lancashire Police said it had "received a report" on Sunday and its inquiries were "ongoing". It appealed for anyone with information or further footage to contact the force.
Police say inquiries into the incident are "ongoing"
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