Shocking CCTV shows reckless youths throwing a bike onto train tracks as railway staff fume "it's no place for games".
Network Rail released footage yesterday to show two young boys posing a risk to trains passing through Cross Gates station in Yorkshire.
In the video, a hooded youth wearing jogging pants rides a bike onto the station platform down a ramp and stops near the edge.
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The boy then angles the bike parallel to the edge of the platform before lifting it and rotating it to 90 degrees so the front wheel is hanging over.
He leaves the platform but moments later, another youngster – who is seen in a sleeveless puffer jacket and shorts – comes running down the ramp.
He picks up the bike, throws it on the tracks and flees the scene straight away.
Vicki Beadle, operation risk advisor for Network Rail, said: "I was astounded to see this reckless, irresponsible behaviour so close to the tracks at Cross Gates station.
"The railway is no place for games, and it certainly isn't a playground.
"Seeing these young people put their lives at risk was a staggering reminder of our collective need to educate everybody about railway safety.
"I'd urge parents and carers to speak to their children about the devastating consequences of trespass, vandalism and antisocial behaviour."
In the past year, six of the 11 incidents reported at Cross Gates station involved young people.
Trespass, vandalism, and antisocial behaviour has resulted in more than 300 minutes of train delay at Cross Gates Station, as well as costing Network Rail £20,000.
Sergeant Rob Pile from the British Transport Police said: "This shocking footage should act as a wake up call to parents – we need them to talk to their children and teenagers urgently about the dangers of the railway and the impact of reckless behaviour like this.
"Apart from the obvious danger to themselves, placing items on the tracks can potentially cause a derailment and result in serious injury and potential loss of life to passengers and rail staff."
He added that the force has increased patrols in the area to deter behaviour like this, and anyone responsible will be caught and face prosecution.
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