CHILDREN caught on camera trying to trespass on a railway line have been warned that their behaviour could lead to tragedy.

Youngsters have been filmed by closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV) damaging a fence near the train tracks on Darlington's Firthmoor estate.

The same problem occurred on the estate last summer, although the vandals are not thought to have made it on to the track then or now.

Peter Bowerbank, from Darlington Borough Council's CCTV team, told a community safety meeting on the estate: "We have had youths attempting to get on the railway line again. The fence was damaged again, and in the same place, in Edgemoor Road."

Ward councillor Lee Vasey said the children's actions could have fatal consequences.

"The worry is vulnerable children not knowing or realising the huge danger," she said.

"Trains can't stop. It doesn't matter what speed they are going."

Mr Bowerbank said: "The railing wants fixing just to stop that access. It seems it is a known place for children to go to."

David Horsman, from Network Rail, said the company knew about the situation and had arranged repairs.

Sergeant Mick Turnbull, from the British Transport Police in Darlington, said he was not aware of the problem but would monitor the situation.

"If the residents are saying it is going on then it obviously is," he said.

"What Network Rail has done is put the security fencing along there. We have a partnership with them, and if we see anything we will tell them so they can fix the problem."

The meeting heard that CCTV cameras had also picked up youngsters climbing on to the roof of the community centre, Maidendale House, in Burnside Road.

Mr Bowerbank said that problem had been resolved because camera operators could flood the back of the building with light, scaring off the youngsters.

Neighbourhood manager Sally Forth said: "I think people thought they couldn't be seen if they were at the back of the centre."

* Anyone seeing someone trying to trespass on a railway line should call 0800 405040.