Earlier this year disturbing film footage of children playing on railway tracks in the Bradford district was released to highlight the dangers of trespassing on the railway.

In the video, publicised by Network Rail, British Transport Police and Northern Rail to coincide with a campaign to tackle trespass - three boys can be seen playing on the tracks and using their mobile phones on the railway.

They are also seen throwing items at overhead lines carrying 25,000 volts of electricity - a potentially fatal game.

Last year across the country more than 8,000 people trespassed on railways, with more than 900 instances across the Yorkshire region, 555 of them involving children with an average age of 14.

The summer holidays see an increase in incidents of this nature, along with other types of crime linked to the rail network.

“At this time of year we get a lot of youths and younger children finding their way onto the railway,” says Chief Inspector Lorna McEwan of the British Transport Police (BTP). “They are attracted to the railway - it is the thrill of it, the potential dangers which youngsters don’t see.

“It is the fun of risk-taking - playing chicken across the lines, seeing if they can beat the trains. They do not realise that it could have very serious consequences both for them and the people on the train.”

Incidents range from pedestrians failing to properly use the crossing to trespass, stone throwing, dropping items from bridges and deliberately obstructing the line.

She adds: “Objects placed on the line could derail a train and a stone thrown at a fast-moving train can have terrible consequences. The windscreen is double-skinned but could get broken, and it can be very frightening for the driver.”

She adds: “Youngsters may not intend to cause harm and may not realise what could happen.”

Children also throw objects on to overhead power lines. “The overheads are 25,000 volts. If a rope is thrown over the electricity can arc over it and electrocute the child,” explains Lorna. “Or they may climb on the wagons, with the lines just above them. Youngsters can fall over objects or get their feet stuck in points.”

Trains approach quickly and quietly, offering no warning to children who may be on the track or dangling their legs over the platform edge.

“They may be on their phone, busy in their own world, and not notice,” says Lorna.

Incidents involving people on the line can have a huge impact on drivers.

“Some don’t drive again, they find it so hard to cope with,” says Lorna. “When brakes are applied to a high speed train it can be a quarter of a mile between slowing down and stopping.”

The impact of such an event upon families, Network Rail staff and the emergency services can run deep. “It’s a ripple effect,” says Lorna.

Incidents can involve people suffering from mental health problems, in which case the appropriate services are called.

Some areas are more prone to incidents. In Bradford district these include Duckett’s level crossing near Dick Lane in Thornbury and the footbridge at Dalcross Grove, West Bowling and Whitehall Junction near Wkye. There have also been incidents along the track near nears Shipley.

During summer extra patrols by BTP officers, working with Network Rail, are carried out at these locations. Inspections will be made to check whether there is a problem such as a hole cut into a fence that is allowing easy access.

Cases of trespass have increased across the region by around 20 per cent over the past two years.

Throughout the year, much work is done to deliver messages on safety to youngsters at schools. “We identify schools close to where incidents have taken place,” says Lorna. PCSOs visit schools, linking with Network Rail and the BTP.

Hot, sunny days see a rise in the number of incidents. “School holidays, good weather and light nights - that’s the perfect storm for us,” says Lorna.

Boys are three times more likely than girls to venture onto the tracks.

In addition to injury and death, the disruption caused can impact economically, with delayed or cancelled services.

“Trains across the country can be delayed due to something that happened in West Yorkshire,” says Lorna. “It delays travellers and freight.”

*To report suspicious behaviour near the railway call BTP on 0800 405040 or text 61016. Also visit: btp.police.uk/advice_and_information/tackling_crime/trespass.aspx

For footage: m.youtube.com/watch?v=QO5pI5pmYE4; m.youtube.com/watch?v=43uhu4V2NNk

It highlights the dangers of trespassing and urges young people not to risk their lives, as well as encouraging parents to warn their children of the dangers.