East London level crossing closed after children play chicken with trains

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 16:02 · Archive

Brickfields level crossing near Upminster has been closed after children and teenagers were filmed playing dangerous games with oncoming trains.

Brickfields level crossing near Upminster in east London has been closed from 30 September after children and teenagers were caught on camera playing 'chicken' with oncoming trains. Footage captured young people performing handstands, using phones, racing trains, and walking on anti-trespass boards. The railway line through the crossing carries around 230 trains a day.

Network Rail closed the crossing for an initial 21 days and said the closure will be extended while investigating the dangerous behaviour. Shenel Bullock, route health and safety manager for 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.' He added: 'We understand this closure may inconvenience some local people, but we cannot ignore the significant risks posed by this behaviour.'

Network Rail is working with British Transport Police and other partners to address the issue through education and enforcement. School visits are planned in the area to educate pupils about the dangers of trespassing and misusing level crossings. The crossing will remain closed until all year groups at the relevant schools have received the safety presentations. A diversion has been put in place via Nightingale Avenue, Moore Lane, Front Lane and St Marys Lane.

How it is being reported

• Kids 'playing chicken' with oncoming trains closes Upminster level crossingChildren and teenagers also performed handstands and walked on anti-trespass boardsMyLondon · 12 Oct, 15:30
• East London level crossing closed after children play ‘chicken’ with trainsBrickfields level crossing near Upminster closed from September 30 after children and teenagers played chicken with trains. Network Rail warns of fatal risks.This Is Local London · 12 Oct, 13:32

In this story: Brickfields level crossing · Upminster · Network Rail · British Transport Police

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem