Shocking list of railway trespassers in Yorkshire revealed as incidents spike during lockdown

Network Rail has warned people in Yorkshire of the dangers of trespassing after seeing a 'worrying' spike in incidents during lockdown.

57 incidents have been recorded in the region since the Government asked people to stay at home on Monday, March 23.

Trespassers have been spotted on lines across the region, including in Leeds and Wakefield.

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Almost one third of the trespass incidents recorded since lockdown in Yorkshire involve children or young people.

57 railway trespass incidents have been recorded in Yorkshire during lockdown57 railway trespass incidents have been recorded in Yorkshire during lockdown
57 railway trespass incidents have been recorded in Yorkshire during lockdown

Rail bosses warned that the reduction in passenger train frequencies does not make it safe to walk across tracks as it means more freight services can operate, and electricity powers overhead cables and third rails 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Trespassing offences have included:

- A man jumped over a fence onto the railway with his daughter to collect firewood

- Children dangling items from a bridge over the tracks

- Four quad bikes on the railway

- Two teenagers trespassing under a bridge, potentially putting something on the tracks

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- Three youths sat on the embankment above a tunnel with their legs dangling over the edge

- A man on the railway looking for his dog

- Youths on the railway under a bridge, with one being seen running across the tracks by a train driver

Dawn Sweeting, Community Safety Manager for Network Rail, said: “These trespass incidents in Yorkshire 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.

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“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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