A TransPennine Express train conductor has helped return two missing London school children home.

Conductor, Mark, spotted a young girl in a blanket boarding a late night York bound train at Manchester Piccadilly.

On his checks, he found the young girl with a boy that was travelling with her, with no ticket and no means to pay for one. The duo also had a large rucksack with them.

With this knowledge, Mark informed the British Transport Police who sent officers from West Yorkshire Police to meet the train at Leeds and take the pair into their care.

Mark convinced the duo to stay on the train until Leeds, even giving the girl a KitKat from another colleague’s lunch as she had low blood sugar, and the boy was worried she was having a diabetic episode.

“I’ve only been on the railway for the relatively short period of 2.5 years, but in this time, I have come across and dealt with a number of missing children. 

“If something doesn’t feel right, then report it. Be smart and ask questions. Overall, on our network we have great support and are lucky to have BTP at a number of the stations we serve.”  

Train conductor Mark

“Mark did an incredible job getting these two children to a place of safety and I know our other colleagues would do the same.  

“We work closely with British Transport Police to ensure the safety of everyone using our services and we also offer training to our staff.”  

 “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved for your drive and passion for safeguarding and making the rail network a safer place. This is a fantastic result, and you are all a credit to TPE, we couldn’t achieve any of this without your support.” 

Billy Vickers, Head of Stations and Safeguarding at TransPennine Express