Two reckless thrill-seekers were spotted jumping off Marlow Bridge into the River Thames below in a bid to cool off amid soaring temperatures this week – but the pair have been slammed for their “dangerous” actions.

A passer-by who was enjoying an evening walk in Marlow on Tuesday captured these pictures of the pair’s risky actions – and said he had “never seen anything like it” before.

He had already witnessed one male climb off the iconic structure into the river below before he decided to photograph the second man as he jumped over the edge.

The duo – who the passer-by guessed were in their mid to late-twenties – were said to be “egging each other on” to jump in while vehicles drove past them during rush hour on July 3.

After the Bucks Free Press showed the pictures to Bucks County Council, cabinet member for community engagement and public health, Cllr Noel Brown, criticised the dangerous moves.

He said: “We’ve been made aware of pictures of people jumping off Marlow Bridge into the River Thames. While we are all enjoying this spell of warm weather it’s essential that people stay safe especially near water.

“Jumping from a height into the river is incredibly dangerous and we ask in the strongest possible terms that people do not do this, for both their own safety and so they don’t encourage other people to follow suit.

“There is no way of telling how deep the water is, what you may hit in the water – it’s a serious injury risk for a number of reasons. It also puts those who come to help at risk.”

It comes as Thames Valley Police reminded residents of the dangers of open water – including ponds, rivers and reservoirs.

Their advice warned that while water may look safe, it can be dangerous due to cold temperatures, strong hidden currents, deep water, hidden rubbish or objects and pollution.

There is also the risk that steep slippery banks can make it difficult to leave the water, while there may also be no lifeguards nearby.

Police have urged anyone thinking of swimming in open water not to jump from heights, to look out for warning signs in the area and to stay out of the water unless you know it is safe.

The dangers of swimming in rivers has been highlighted by Marlow charity Kyrece’s Legacy, which was set up following the tragic death of 13-year-old Kyrece Francis in in July 2014.

The young Great Marlow Schoolboy got into difficulties while swimming in the Thames in the town with his friends.

He and his pals had been trying to swim to an island on the first day of the summer holidays, and while his friends tried to bring him to safety, he sadly could not be saved.