Children warned of train track danger after rise in trespassing

A warning has been issued about children playing on train tracks after a spate of incidents, including youths pushing each other off a platform.

Two boys were spotted trespassing on the west coast mainline near Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, on Sunday while children were also seen trespassing near Dalmeny station in Edinburgh.

The reports followed another incident on 26 June when a group of youths were seen jumping and pushing each other off the platform at Muirend station in East Renfrewshire.

British Transport Police (BTP) Inspector Stewart Strong said: “What is very worrying about these incidents is that youngsters simply do not realise the danger they put themselves in.

“Every day, we are called to similar incidents and during the summer we record a spike in trespass incidents involving children.

“Trains travel at incredibly high speeds and can often approach silently. Before a child has time to react, they could be struck and killed.

“My officers have experienced first-hand the devastation families are left with when their child is killed whilst playing on the tracks.

“Therefore, I would like to plead directly to parents and carers. Talk to your children and explain to them the hazards of the railway, it is not a playground.”

This year, more than 100 schools in trespass hotspots have been visited by officers from BTP.