Rushden emergency stop for train as youths trespass on railway lines

The incident happened at 7.40pm on Tuesday
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A train using a railway line near Rushden had to slam on its emergency brakes yesterday evening (Tuesday) after the driver spotted youths on the track.

The newly electrified Midland Mainline to and from London runs close to Wymington between Wellingborough and Bedford.

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British Transport Police and Network Rail staff went to the scene but they were unable to find any trace of the young people.

Police file picturePolice file picture
Police file picture

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "Officers were called to the line in Wymington at 7.40pm last night (May 18) following reports of youths trespassing.

"Officers quickly attended and conducted a search of the area however there was no trace of the youths involved. Enquiries are ongoing."

In a tweet, British Transport Police Northamptonshire had reported that the train had to apply its emergency brakes and caused some delays.

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The spokesman for British Transport Police added: "Trespassing on the railway can have serious, life-changing consequences for the individual, their loved ones and the wider community.

The sceneThe scene
The scene

"Parents and carers play a vital role in preventing tragedy resulting from trespass by ensuring they know where their children are and talking to them about the dangers of trespassing."

Elisha Allen, community safety manager for Network Rail, said: “A train driver reported a group of around eight young people trespassing on the tracks in Wymington at 7.45pm last night (Tuesday, May 18), after they had to apply the emergency brake.

“All reports of anyone trespassing on the railway are taken seriously and trains were running at slower speeds while our teams and the British Transport Police attended. A normal service was restored as quickly as possible. Further inspections found there were no issues with the fencing in the area.

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“Trespassing is extremely dangerous and can lead to life changing or even fatal consequences. As well as being illegal, it causes thousands of unnecessary delays to passengers and essential freight deliveries.

“Network Rail and British Transport Police run a hard-hitting safety campaign – You Vs Train, which highlights the devastating consequences of trespassing on the railway.”