Young Boy Risked His Own Life Running Onto Train Tracks

[Omnion 59]

Officers from British Transport Police are appealing for information after the boy trespassed onto the Metro tracks in East Boldon.

Investigators have released an image of a youth they would like to speak to in connection with the incident which happened on Sunday 26 May.

PC David Burns said: “Around 1pm, a young man was seen to climb off the platform, and run along the tracks for a short while before climbing back onto the platform.

“A Metro train then arrived and he jumped back onto the tracks and ran across towards the stationary train and started banging on the windows.

“He then ran back across the tracks and got back on the platform.”

Emphasising the dangers of trespassing, PC Burns added: “This is the second incident of this nature in the area in the space of one weekend.

“I simply cannot overstate just how dangerous trespassing on the railway is.

“Though people may think they are perfectly safe and can get out of the way of any trains, they often fail to realise the true situation and the danger they are in.

“Trains can approach quietly and, if you are trespassing, often when you do hear an approaching train it can be too late to move out of the way.

“If you recognise the man pictured, or know his whereabouts, then please get in touch.”

A Nexus spokesman said: “Messing around on Metro tracks is extremely dangerous and we urge young people to think twice about doing this. It may look like a bit of fun, but you run the risk of being very seriously injured or even killed.”