New danger to railway trespassers

Rail chiefs are calling on children to stay off the line

Children who play on an East Yorkshire railway will be in even greater danger with the launch of Sunday freight services, rail bosses have said.

Up to five freight trains every Sunday will use the line out of Hull docks, a "known hotspot for trespass", according to railways operator Network Rail.

"We urge children and adults to stay off the line and stay alive," said route director Dyan Crowther.

The trains will carry coal to power stations in the Aire and Trent valleys.

Operated by freight companies EWS and Freightliner Heavy Haul, they will be the first to carry freight on Sundays on this stretch of line.

Ms Crowther said: "A recent tragedy at Darlington in which two teenage boys were killed serves as a hard-hitting reminder of the potentially fatal consequences if you choose to trespass on the railway."

Anyone witnessing trespassers is urged to contact the British Transport Police on 0800 405040.