A WARNING was issued today (Wednesday, October 24) over the dangers of crossing railway lines after a man was seen taking a short cut between platforms.

British Transport Police (BTP) said anyone trespassing over the tracks in such a way is potentially putting their life at risk.

It follows the capture on cctv of a man running over the lines between the two platforms at Durham Railway Station earlier this month.

The suspect was seen entering the station and jumping from the southbound platform onto the track before sprinting across towards the northbound side.

He climbed on to the platform, where he joined a group of friends who boarded a Newcastle-bound train.

Police today released the station cctv footage in a bid to identify the man involved as well as highlighting the dangers.

Sergeant Steve Davies, of BTP, warned people they are risking their lives using the railway tracks as shortcuts by trespassing onto the lines.

“I’m genuinely shocked to see that despite our constant warnings about the risk and dangers, some people are still willing to risk their lives by trespassing on the tracks and using them as a shortcut.

“We’ve had a number of near misses at the station where people have run across the tracks and only narrowly avoided being hit by a train.

“We’re extremely concerned that someone is going to be seriously injured or even worse, killed.

“People need to be aware that services regularly travel though the station at speeds of more than 125 miles per hour.

“At this speed a train takes two kilometres, or the length of 20 football pitches, to stop.

“By the time the human eye sees a person on the tracks it’s much too late to stop the train.”

Sgt Davies said there is a misconception that taking such a shortcut poses no real risk and anyone crossing has time to avoid an oncoming train.

“The fatality figures show, however, they are wrong. If people continue to be irresponsible and reckless by crossing the tracks in Durham, sadly this figure will increase.

“The few minutes saved by running across the tracks could end up costing serious injury, or even a life. Is it worth it?”

Anyone who recognises the man crossing the line in the highlighted incident, which took place on Sunday October 6, at 8.15pm, is asked to contact the BTP information line, on (0800) 405040.