Teen rescued from railway

Catherine Phillips

27 June 2008

TRESPASSING teenagers who had to be rescued from railway lines in Worcester have been warned the incident could have turned to tragedy.
Four youths were on the railway bridge which crosses the River Severn between Croft Road and Hylton Road on Friday (June 20) when one became stuck and needed rescuing by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.
A 13-year-old, two 14-year-olds and a 15-year-old were later arrested by police and the incident was passed on to British Transport Police who spoke to the four about the dangers of playing on railway lines.
Roger Vincent, spokesman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), said that traspassing on to railway lines was extremely dangerous.
“These are places of work and not a playground and unfortunately every year people are killed on railway lines.”
Mr Vincent pointed out that modern trains were extremely quiet and quick and did not give much warning that they were approaching.
He explained that it was not only up to British Transport Police to educate youngsters but also encouraged parents of children who live close to railway lines to explain why they should not be playing on them especially with the school holidays approaching.
The spokesman continued: “Something that appears to be fun one minute can quickly turn into a tragedy,” he added.
Alec Mackie, spokesman for the fire and rescue service, said they received a call and rescued the stranded teenager after the group were spotted running around on the railway bridge.
A spokesman for Worcester Police confirmed that four teenagers were arrested at around 4.30pm and taken back to their parents.
He added: “We don’t know what they were doing up there but they certainly were not supposed to be there.”

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