TWO teenagers died last night after being hit by an express train on the East Coast Main Line.

The tragedy happened near the Five Arches railway bridge, in Darlington, where a gang of youths had gathered.

The two boys, who are both believed to be 15, were hit by the northbound Manchester to Newcastle train shortly after it left Darlington station, at about 8.30pm.

Police said the youths had been seen on the track seconds before the accident. Yesterday was the first day of the school Easter holidays in Darlington.

British Transport Police launched an immediate investigation.

Network Rail officials suggested last night that the youths may have been playing a game of "chicken".

Acting Inspector Paul Philips, of Darlington police, said: "Although all the details are unclear at the moment, we believe a gang of between 30 and 50 youths had gathered on the bridge.

"They were in high spirits and may have possibly been drinking, although no drink has been found at the scene.

"The two youths were on the track when they were hit by the train. We do not believe they fell from the bridge or were pushed.

"At the moment, the circumstances are not being treated as suspicious.

"This just looks like a terrible accident."

Keith Lumley, a spokesman for Network Rail, said: "The allegation is a group of youths were playing chicken in front of trains. Regrettably, two of them have been killed."

The train, which was carrying about 50 passengers, was held for three-and-a-half hours while the line was closed for forensic scientists to examine the accident site.

Local people spoke of their shock last night.

A woman in Fitzwilliam Drive, who asked not to be named, said: "We saw a group gathering at about tea-time. Eventually, they all headed off towards the railway bridge.

"Although the bridge is a regular place for kids to gather, there seemed to be far more than usual.

"They usually just hang about. No one seems to mind because they don't cause any trouble."

One youth said he had been heading towards the railway bridge when the accident occurred.

He said: "I heard the screams and knew something awful had happened."

The East Coast Main Line is the fastest rail route in the country. It links Edinburgh with London.

Five Arches bridge carries the line over the River Skerne - just off North Road - before the line reaches the Harrowgate Hill area.

Officials have repeatedly warned young people about the dangers of the railway, especially during school holidays.

In July 2002, a 17-year-old lost an arm and leg. The youth had been walking on the tracks when he stepped into the path of a GNER express.

Last November, at the same spot as last night's accident, a man stepped out on to railway tracks in front of a train.

The southbound Virgin train managed to stop before it reached him.