Shropshire railway trespassers warned to stay off the tracks

Following a number of worrying incidents in recent weeks, British Transport Police (BTP) has issued a warning on the dangers of straying onto the railway line.

Sergeant Karl Anderson, Officer in Charge at BTP Shrewsbury, said: “There has been an increase in offences of trespass across the area in the past three months.

“We have seen problems throughout the area, from Telford and Wellington to Shrewsbury.

“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.”

Sgt Anderson said that trespassers were putting themselves, and others, in great danger.

“Anyone who trespasses on the railway is taking a gamble with their own lives, as well as the lives of all the staff and passengers travelling on the trains.

“Trains travel at extremely high speeds and, unlike cars, cannot swerve to avoid people in their path.

“The message is simple - stay safe and stay off the tracks.”

BTP will be stepping up patrols in the area, and officers will not hesitate to take action against anyone who continues to ignore the warning.

“We will be working hard over the coming months to keep people off the railway,” said Sgt Anderson.

“We will not tolerate any behaviour which causes issues for the railway, and will increase patrols in the area in a bid to deter those responsible.

“Behaviour such as this is incredibly dangerous and can result in dire consequences.”

Anyone with information about a crime on the railway should contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.