Officers say the consequences could have been ‘tragic’ and they want their parents to know
Police, firefighters and the ambulance service were all called to a railway line after reports of two people on the tracks. The British Transport Police say there could have been “potentially tragic consequences” after two boys decided to get close to the line.
Following the incident at 5.30pm on Sunday, July 6, in Plymouth CCTV was reviewed and showed two boys on the tracks, apparently filming on their phones. PC Iain Madden, investigating officer, said: “It is unusual for us to release an image like this, but we are concerned for the safety of the two boys who were not only endangering themselves but the safety of others.
“Not only is trespassing disruptive, it is incredibly dangerous, with potentially tragic consequences. While the picture quality is not the best, it is hoped the location and clothing worn will allow their parents to recognise them and speak to police.
“With the summer holidays approaching children will be out and about for longer. It’s imperative that parents know where they are and warn them to stay away from the railways. The consequences don’t bear thinking about.”
This appeal follows the latest in the You Vs Train campaign run jointly by Network Rail and British Transport Police. Powerful new safety films will be seen around Britain this summer as Network Rail and British Transport Police launch a campaign to tackle rising unsafe behaviour around the rail network.
Chief Inspector Adam Swallow, British Transport Police, said: “Every year, my emergency services colleagues and I are faced with the awful consequences of preventable railway accidents. And we don’t just respond, we remember too. Behind every statistic is a real person – a life needlessly lost or irreversibly changed and a family left devastated.
“The number of near misses is a stark reminder about why this campaign is so vital. These films are grounded in real-life experiences and show the terrible impact of a moment’s distraction or misjudgement.
“As the summer holidays begin and more people are out and about, including teenagers and younger children, we’re asking everyone to treat the railway with the seriousness and respect it demands; stay alert, avoid distractions, and never cross except at designated points. It could save your life, or someone else’s.
“I’d encourage people to save 61016 into their phones and text us if they need us. In an emergency always dial 999.”