British Transport Police (BTP) is urging parents and carers to warn children of the dangers of trespassing on the railway

British Transport Police (BTP) is urging parents and carers to warn children and young people of the dangers of trespassing after several incidents in Scotland.

The incidents include reports of children playing on the railway line on the 7th July at Milliken Park in Renfrewshire where they reportedly placed items on the tracks.

Another incident in the Motherwell area saw a youth injured, whilst attempting to climb palisade fencing to retrieve his football.

Several other reports of children and youths playing near to the lines were also recorded in the Rutherglen area of Glasgow and in locations across Fife.

This has prompted BTP to issue a warning to parents and carers to check on their children to ensure they are not playing near the railway.

BTP Inspector Michael Magee said: “In relation to these particular incidents it is extremely concerning that young children have been playing on or near a railway line.

“Too many times we have seen the tragic consequences of young people ignoring the warnings about trespassing on the railway and taking risks that have resulted in terrible injuries, so it’s vital that parents play their part and ensure they know where their children are and what they are up to.

“Passengers continue to be our eyes and ears and they can help us by reporting crimes and concerns by texting 61016.”

BTP and Network Rail run a hard-hitting safety campaign, You Vs Train, which highlights the devastating consequences that trespassing on the railway can have. Find out more at youvstrain.co.uk