Child rail danger hotspots named

Around 400 incidents of trespass were reported of Welsh rail lines last year

Rail chiefs have published the top 10 worst sites in Wales where young people trespass on the tracks, as they launch their summer safety message.

Almost 1,000 incidents of railway crime were reported in Wales last year with half of these by young people.

Gowerton, Pyle, Llanelli and Pontypridd top the places where trespass or vandalism take place on the tracks.

Across the UK, half of all the reported train near-misses with people involved children.

The two most common offences were trespass and vandalism. Around 400 incidents were reported last year but rail chiefs said the real number is thought to be much more.

Network Rail Area General Manager Mark Langman said: "Sadly the combination of good weather and school holidays always results in an increase of trespass and vandalism on the railways by young people.

TOP 10 'HOTSPOTS' WHERE CHILDREN RISK THEIR LIVES Gowerton Pyle Llanelli Pontypridd Ton Pentre Cogan Penrhiwceiber East Usk Junction Pengam Porth Source: Network Rail

"Their actions are not only illegal but could prove fatal. We all remember feeling young and invincible but the danger posed to trespassers on the railway is a real one."

Mr Langman added: "We do all we can to prevent incidents - improving fencing, surveillance, closing crossings and even having a team of rail crime education managers, who work with the community to raise awareness.

"I would ask that parents remind their children of the dangers they could be placing themselves in and that the railway is not a playground."

Network rail said pranks recorded in Wales include wheelie bins, stones and metal bars being thrown at trains and placed on the tracks.

Acts of trespass include, riding bicycles on the line and hiding beneath a platform. Other incidents include graffiti and setting fire to objects on the track.