Police appeal after train narrowly misses people crossing Shropshire rail track

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the Shropshire Star:

CCTV^▸ (Closed Circuit Tele Vision): Police appeal after train narrowly misses people crossing Shropshire rail track

British Transport Police have released a video of a train narrowly missing two young men who were trespassing on railway lines at a Shropshire station.

The train driver made an emergency stop just after passing through the Craven Arms station.

Officers have also released CCTV footage and photos of the two people they would like to speak to.



Investigating officer constable Dave Hall said: "Despite our constant warnings, some people are still willing to risk their lives by trespassing on the tracks. This was absolutely senseless behaviour and I cannot overstate just how dangerous it is. Train drivers will not be expecting anyone other than railway workers to be on the line, and by the time they see someone trespassing, it could be too late.^

The incident took place at 5.05pm on Saturday, 20 September. In the video a group of young women are seen watching as the two people repeatedly cross the tracks. Finally they are seen dashing just in front of a train travelling at high speed through the station.

The train driver subsequently carried out an emergency stop and a search of the area was carried out but no one was found.

^The actions of these two individuals were foolish in the extreme. Not only did they delay the train, with the driver ^ for whom this would have been a distressing incident - forced to take evasive action, they also took an enormous risk by jumping onto the tracks, putting themselves in incredible danger,^ said Pc Hall. ^Our main concern with incidents such as this is clearly for the safety of those carrying out such dangerous acts. However, trespass is also a serious crime and we will continue to do everything in our power to prosecute anyone caught deliberately obstructing the railway or trespassing on the tracks and endangering people^s safety, with the maximum penalty being life imprisonment.^

Do you recognise either of the people pictured?  Do you know their current whereabouts?  Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting background reference WSUB/B5 of 29/10/2014. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.