Train forced to make emergency stop as young people step onto tracks near Inverness

A train was forced to make an emergency stop after young people trespassed onto the tracks in the Highlands.

It was one of two serious incidents which occurred within the space of a week in Inverness, Network Rail said.

CCTV footage from May 7 shows two young people standing on the crossing at South Kessock as a train approaches, with one not stepping clear until the train was around 20 metres away.

The other also moved out of the way before the train approached the crossing.

The previous week on April 7, five teenagers put stones on the railway line, with two later returning to remove them.

A Network Rail spokesperson said that while no train was involved, the behaviour was “extremely dangerous”.

Around 30 trains pass through the crossing each day at speeds of up to 50mph.

Rachel Shaw, head of operational safety at Network Rail, said: “Incidents like this are incredibly concerning.

“The railway is not a place to hang around with your friends. It’s an operational environment with fast moving trains that can’t swerve out the way or stop quickly.

“Ignoring the signage or warnings of an approaching train not only puts those on tracks at risk, but also passengers and railway staff.

“I’d urge everyone, especially young people, to treat the railway with respect and never engage in dangerous behaviour like this.”

The incidents come just days after Network Rail and British Transport Police launched the ‘No Second Chances’ campaign, highlighting the consequences of taking risks on the railway.