A warning has been released by Network Rail for people in the North East about the dangers of trespassing on the railway.

Twenty-two trespassing incidents have been reported in the region since lockdown was announced on Monday 23rd March 2020.

Trespassers have been spotted on lines across the region, including in Newcastle, Darlington and Durham:

• Three people trespassing close to the tracks, one believed to be around six years old.
• Four youths were trespassing on the railway.
• Children on a railway gantry.
• A youth ran across the tracks to another platform.
• A young adult using the railway as a shortcut.

Network Rail has reminded people that the railway is operational 24/7, and trains cant simply swerve out of the way.

Additionally, the overhead wire equipment is always on, even when no trains are nearby. Nine out of ten people die if they come into contact with the cables, with the other 1 in 10 people suffering life-changing injuries.

What did the officials say?

Dawn Sweeting, Community Safety Manager for Network Rail, said:

“These trespass incidents in the North East are shocking, and show many people are oblivious to the dangers they are putting themselves, their friends or their loved ones in.

“It’s never safe to hang around on the railway or use it to take shortcuts, but sadly too many people ignore the warning signs and take risks that have resulted in tragic consequences.

“We’ve seen a worrying number of incidents at a time when people should be following Government guidelines and staying at home where possible. We are urging people to stay safe and stay off the tracks.”

Superintendent Alison Evans, British Transport Police, said:

“Your safety is our number one priority, and we are continuing to proactively patrol the thousands of miles of railway across the country.

“The railway is an extremely hazardous place, and trespass incidents like these can quite easily lead to death or catastrophic injuries.

“I’d urge parents and carers who live in the area to check where their children are playing and speak to them about the risks of the railway, so they understand that everyone loses when they step on the track.”

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