logo
CCTV captures 'dangerous trespassers' using railway line as shortcut

CCTV captures 'dangerous trespassers' using railway line as shortcut

STV News02-07-2025
CCTV footage has captured people 'dangerously trespassing' on a railway line using it as a shortcut.
Network Rail said the video shows elderly people and dog walkers 'carelessly' crossing the River Peffery in Dingwall using a railway bridge between Dingwall Canal South and North level crossings, rather than a road bridge situated nearby on Craig Road.
Trains pass through the area every day at speeds of up to 65mph, covering a 50-metre distance in less than two seconds.
'This footage is deeply concerning, showing people taking significant risks by using a railway bridge to cross the river,' said Innis Keith, health, safety and environmental director at Network Rail Scotland.
'It's extremely dangerous as trains can't stop quickly or swerve out of the way. A moment's misjudgement could have devastating consequences.
'Not only is trespassing dangerous, but it's also illegal. We're working closely with British Transport Police to identify anyone trespassing and those caught face prosecution and a hefty fine.'
Network Rail said it is working with Highland Council to explore the possibility of installing two wooden footbridges on either side of the existing railway bridge, providing an alternative route for pedestrians.
Mr Keith added: 'We know people are often just trying to save time or take what seems like the easiest route. But using the railway bridge as a shortcut is incredibly dangerous and against the law.
'We're asking everyone to think twice and choose safety instead. No shortcut is worth risking your life.'
The warning comes as Network Rail launches its You vs Train campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the risks around trespassing, showing the real life consequences of being struck by a train.
The campaign features an NHS trauma specialist who explains the catastrophic injuries caused by getting hit by a train, in a bid to reduce incidents on the railways.
Chief inspector Adam Swallow from 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.
'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.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Students join Devon and Cornwall Police for work experience
Students join Devon and Cornwall Police for work experience

BBC News

time6 hours ago

  • BBC News

Students join Devon and Cornwall Police for work experience

A group of 56 students were given the opportunity to work alongside police officers and staff during a work experience programme. The programme, offered to students aged 14 and 15, gave students the chance to learn more about what keeps communities in Cornwall safe, Devon and Cornwall Police said. The force added students were given the chance to meet specialist police teams from the dog unit, drone unit, road casualty reduction unit and the neighbourhood support Phil Rees, who helped to co-ordinate the week, said: "There are so many career pathways within the force and I'm pleased that we were able to showcase some of them." 'Positive and trusting' Students took part in practical exercises and drills throughout the week. The force said it ended with a 'passing out parade' on the final day where students were presented with certificates recognising their Rees added: "Whether they choose a career in policing or not, connecting with young people like this is key in making sure that we form strong, positive and trusting relationships with this age group as they head into adulthood."We've had some great feedback following the week. Thank you to all the students and police officers who took part in the work experience, it was fantastic to have you on board." Devon and Cornwall Police said the week was supported by officers from the British Transport Police, police cadets and Devon and Cornwall Police operations unit, and was co-ordinated by Devon & Cornwall Police youth engagement officers.

Dorset Police officers tackling anti-social behaviour over summer
Dorset Police officers tackling anti-social behaviour over summer

BBC News

time8 hours ago

  • BBC News

Dorset Police officers tackling anti-social behaviour over summer

More than 130 dispersal orders have been issued by police in a bid to keep beaches safe, a force has Police confirmed the orders were issued by officers in recent weeks to tackle anti-social 35 dispersal orders grant police extra powers to move people on from an area if officers have reasonable grounds to suspect they are there to engage in crime or Friday, the force worked with British Transport Police at Bournemouth train station to "engage with visitors to the area" and "ensure they were behaving". In a statement, Dorset Police said officers took part in the operation to "take action against those likely to cause anti-social behaviour in Bournemouth".South Western Railway staff also took part in the day of action, tackling people travelling on the rail network without a ticket. Insp Matt Buller, from the Bournemouth neighbourhood policing team, said: "Our role is to engage with people, show we're accessible and try to prevent suspected crime from happening."He said reports of anti-social behaviour in the area had reduced by 5% since April, compared to the same period in 2024. 'Good, safe summer' "Over recent weeks, more than 130 dispersal notices have been issued by Dorset officers to ensure the beach is a safe space for everyone to enjoy," Insp Buller would be patrolling "key locations" to reassure communities and ensure people are "safe and can feel safe within the town", he said, adding: "Our message is very clear that we want everyone to have a good, safe summer but anyone who is found to be involved in crime or disorder is not welcome here." You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

Police hunt for woman who sexually assaulted male train worker as he walked through carriage
Police hunt for woman who sexually assaulted male train worker as he walked through carriage

Daily Mail​

timea day ago

  • Daily Mail​

Police hunt for woman who sexually assaulted male train worker as he walked through carriage

Police are hunting for a woman who allegedly sexually assaulted a male train worker as he walked through a carriage late at night. At the time of the assault, the railway employee had been passing through a carriage as it travelled between Sutton Parkway and Shirebrook in northern Nottinghamshire. The attack is said to have occurred at around 9pm on Saturday, May 31. Now, the British Transport Police have issued an urgent appeal for the public's assistance and are hoping to speak to a woman captured on CCTV on the day of the incident. Officers believe that she could hold vital information that could help aid their investigation. Anyone who recognises the woman has been asked to contact British Transport Police. A spokesperson for the force said: 'Police investigating a sexual assault on a rail staff member in Nottinghamshire have released this image in connection. 'At around 9pm on Saturday 31 May, a member of staff was on a train between Sutton Parkway and Shirebrook. 'As he walked down the carriage, a woman sexually assaulted him. 'Officers would like to speak to the woman pictured as they believe she may have information that could assist their enquiries.' Any individuals with relevant information or able to identify the woman pictured have been asked to contact the British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 682 of 31 May. Information can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. It come after a Great Western Railway train manager was jailed for seven years in February after he sexually assaulted an 18-year-old passenger when asking to check her ticket. Nicholas McMurray, 38, approached the victim and asked to see her ticket, and adjusted the woman's dress, British Transport Police said. The 18-year-old had been standing and chatting on the phone in the vestibule shortly before it arrived in Swansea when McMurray sexually assaulted her on June 22, 2024. He continued to hold the victim until the train pulled into the station and made sexually explicit comments to her before touching her again as she got off the train. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, bravely reported the incident to officers at the station. Police found the 38-year-old standing by the stationary train when he was arrested. Predator McMurray was 'immediately removed from duty as train manager for GWR' and no longer works there. He was been found guilty of sexual assault and assault by penetration as Swansea Crown Court on February 5. Last year he was sentenced to seven years in prison and put on the sex offenders register for life. Anyone who is a victim or a witness to a sexual offence on a railway has been urged to report it by texting 61016. A GWR spokesperson said: 'We are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and trust for our customers and employees. 'As soon as we became aware of the incident, we took immediate action to remove the individual from duty and he no longer works for the business.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store