Woman runs along tracks in train chase

The 34-year-old, who has not been named, risked her life in a bid to catch up with the train at the next station.

The student was plucked to safety by staff on another train travelling between Burnley Central and Burnley Barracks on Thursday.

Police said her actions were “incredibly dangerous” and issued her with a £50 fixed penalty notice for trespassing on the railways.

The woman left her bags on the train when she got off at Burnley Central to buy a ticket after her card was declined when she tried to purchase a ticket on board.

But the guard was unaware and gave the signal to depart.

When the woman saw the train set off, she climbed down from the platform and on to the tracks to chase after it.

A Northern Rail spokeswoman said: “We would like to remind passengers to take their belongings with them when they leave the train to reduce incidents such as this happening again.

“Not only did the woman’s actions cause delays to others but she also put own safety at risk by trespassing on the tracks.

“We ask that all passengers boarding at a station that has an open ticket office or a ticket vending machine to purchase tickets before getting on the train.”

A British Transport Police spokeswoman said: “The woman’s actions not only delayed services but put her safety at risk as trespassing is incredibly dangerous.”