Level crossing closed after children seen playing on tracks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 19:31 · Archive

A level crossing near London has been closed after children were seen doing handstands and playing chicken with trains.

A level crossing in east London has been closed after children and teenagers were seen engaging in dangerous behaviour on the tracks. Footage captured during a Network Rail survey at Brickfields level crossing near Upminster showed children performing handstands, using their phones, racing across the tracks to beat trains, walking on anti-trespass boards and deliberately playing 'chicken' by jumping out of the way of oncoming trains at the last second.

Network Rail condemned the behaviour as representing 'an unacceptable safety risk'. Shenel Bullock of Network Rail Anglia said: 'The safety of the public is our absolute priority, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close Brickfields level crossing.'

The crossing, which handles approximately 230 trains daily, was initially closed for 21 days from 30 September as an emergency safety measure. The Daily Mail reports that the closure will now be extended until all year groups at local schools receive education about the dangers of trespassing on railways. Network Rail said it is working with parents, carers, teachers and the wider community to reinforce safety messages.

How it is being reported

• Children are seen doing handstands and playing chicken with high speed trains - forcing busy level crossing to closePictures show children and teenagers playing on Brickfields level crossing near Upminster in London.Daily Mail · 12 Oct, 19:16
• Brickfields level crossing closed as children seen doing handstands beside train tracksChildren put themselves at "significant risk of serious injury or death through distraction" at the Brickfields level crossing near Upminster, which is in east LondonThe Mirror · 12 Oct, 17:42

In this story: Brickfields level crossing · Upminster · Network Rail · London · Havering

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