East Midlands Railway (EMR) has released CCTV video of children playing close to railway lines in Nottinghamshire.

The video has shocking footage of the children hanging about and playing dangerously near the railway lines at Bingham station on the busy railway line between Grantham and Nottingham. Over 50 trains each day pass through the station, with some travelling at up to 60 mph.

CCTV surveillance cameras near the scene recorded numerous incidents where children were risking their lives. Footage recorded shows children playing on the lines, cutting across the tracks, and even a child retrieving one of their shoes which a friend had thrown onto the tracks.

Lucy Gallacher, Emergency Planning Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: “These scenes are deeply worrying and clearly show that local kids in Bingham still don’t understand how dangerous it is to trespass onto railway tracks.

“We are urging parents and guardians in the town to make sure their children know that playing on or near railway tracks can result in tragic and life-changing consequences.

“Children need to understand the simple facts that trains can not swerve, nor can they stop suddenly. If you trespass onto the line you are putting your life at risk – it’s as simple as that.

“If you see someone trespassing on the railway, call 0800 40 50 40 or 999, or text 61016.”

Joe Rowberry, Head of Safety, Health and Environment for Network Rail s East Midlands route, said: We cannot stress strongly enough how dangerous trespassing on the railway is. Footage like this is hugely shocking and while our railway is one of the safest in the world, it is vital people understand the dangers because too many lives are being put at risk through their own actions.

Network Rail works incredibly hard to try to educate people of the risks that the railway poses, and we will continue to work with industry partners to deliver this message. We also urge parents to talk to their children and remind them of the dangers of trespassing on the railway.