Teenage cyclists in suicidal game of dare

Last updated at 15:23 19 September 2006


Two teenagers were filmed cycling along railway lines and standing on the 750-volt live rail in a dangerous game of "dare". Rail chiefs have joined with police officers to catch the pair before they either kill themselves or cause a train accident.

The youths, both male, were spotted by a resident on tracks at Adisham near Canterbury in Kent.

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• See CCTV footage of the cyclists here

A spokesman for rail operator Southeastern said: "This was foolhardy behaviour in the extreme. Not only do they put themselves in danger, they risk injuring passengers if a driver has to brake suddenly to avoid them." The pair were condemned as "idiots" by a spokeswoman for Passenger Focus, the national rail watchdog, who said they threatened to undermine the good safety record of the railways.

A spokesman for Network Rail, responsible for infrastructure, said: "Last year alone there were almost 50 people killed and hundreds more injured trespassing on the railway, either crossing the tracks, taking short cuts or playing chicken. No one would play on a motorway, so why play on railway lines?"

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who knows those involved is urged to call 0800 40 50 40.

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