'Worrying' Warning: Children As Young As Five Running On Edinburgh Railway Tracks

Following a catalogue of worrying trespassing incidents, youngsters, and their parents, are being reminded of the dangers that can be posed by the railway and committing route crimes.=======================================================================================================================================================================================

Now British Transport Police (BTP) is warning of the illegal and potentially fatal consequences of trespassing on the railway. In one particularly alarming incident two boys aged around ten years missed being struck by a high speed and non-stopping train by just a few seconds at the same station. Constable Niall Bonnar, of BTP, said: “It is enormously worrying that primary-age children are putting themselves in grave danger by trespassing. The children seem to be oblivious to the risks that trespassing and playing near the railway presents. They also seriously endanger the safety of others working, and travelling on the railway, and the foolishness of their actions cannot be underestimated. “Children, mostly young boys, have been captured on CCTV running between the platforms at the station, and astonishingly back again, as well as walking off the end of the platforms. “The real dangers of trespassing have been highlighted by these recent incidents and as well as being extremely dangerous and illegal there is the distinct possibility that services will be delayed as a consequence. “Trespassers also need to be aware that here are 25,000 volts passing through overhead power lines. This is more than enough to kill and you don’t even need to touch the cables to be electrocuted as the electricity can arc up to several feet. BTP officers have already increased their patrols in the area and have visited the local schools to raise awareness of route crime and the associated dangers. A ScotRail spokeswoman said: “We do not tolerate crime of any kind, and fully support the efforts of the British Transport Police to further reduce trespass incidents and other crimes on the railway.” With summer holidays fast approaching Constable Bonnar is also asking parents to ensure they know the whereabouts of their children. He added: “Please make sure your children are aware that the railway is an incredibly dangerous environment and remind them to stay away from the rail network. “Those children seen trespassing may believe they can cross the tracks before a train comes, however, all it takes is for them to accidentally slip and they will not be able to get out of the way in time. Children need to understand that what may seem to them as a shortcut may actually cut their life short.” Anyone with information about criminal activity on the railway can contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or by texting 61016.