Warning as teenagers caught doing handstands at level crossing

Network Rail has warned the railway is “not a photo opportunity” after CCTV footage shows two teenage girls doing handstands at a level crossing in Nottinghamshire.

The incident happened in Broxtowe, Nottinghamshire, on a stretch of track used by trains travelling at up to 80mph. Police said the teenagers showed a “blatant disregard for their own safety and others”.

Several people were also filmed standing on the track to take photographs, with one person lying down to pose.

A recent study of the crossing, situated in Attenborough Nature Reserve, recorded 22 examples of misuse in just nine days.

Network Rail route director Gary Walsh said: “This behaviour at Nature Reserve level crossing is absolutely shocking. The railway is not a photo opportunity and it is never safe to stop or hang around on the tracks.

“The two girls doing handstands are completely oblivious to the dangers they are putting themselves in. This incident could have ended in tragic consequences for them, as well as their friends and family.”

‘Blatant’ disregard for safety

Inspector Mark Clements of British Transport Police said: “The people in this footage are clearly showing a shocking and blatant disregard for their own safety and others.

“Trespass is a criminal offence, it can result in tragic consequences or life-changing injuries.

“We regularly patrol this area and remind everyone of the importance of taking care around the railway and to not trespass.”

The incident involving handstands was filmed in July.

This was 12 months after a couple were caught on CCTV posing for wedding photos while standing on the track at a level crossing near Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Network Rail said it is doing “all we can” to improve safety at level crossings, but it needs communities to “work with us”.

It has launched a new programme named Switch On to teach children about the dangers of the railway and development their awareness of hazards.