Police have warned young trespassers on the railway at Radipole they are putting themselves in danger.

Trespassing on the railway is illegal and dangerous – as well as the risk of being hit by trains the third rail which powers the Weymouth-Waterloo services carries 750 volts of electricity, and touching it will result in severe injury or death.

Weymouth and Portland Police said: "The team has been dealing with a report of youths on the train tracks under the bridge at Spa Road.

"The Weymouth line is electrified and these youths put themselves in danger.

"Details will be passed to our colleagues at British Transport Police."

Figures show one person every hour puts their life in danger by trespassing on the railway in the UK, with trespass now being at a 10-year high.

British Transport Police (BTP), which polices the railways, said that in the last decade, almost 170 people have lost their lives trespassing on the railway. Almost half of those killed were under the age of 25.

BTP said: "Research also shows young people are more likely to take a risk on the tracks, with seasonal peaks in incidents coinciding with the spring and summer school holidays.

"Most trespassers say taking a shortcut was their main motivation, followed by thrill-seeking. But going on the tracks can result in serious life-changing injuries or death.

"We’re doing all we can to keep people safe by patrolling areas we know they’re likely to trespass and prevent them from doing so. "We’re also working closely with Network Rail and train operators and going into schools to warn children of the dangers of trespassing.

"But we cannot tackle this issue alone. That is why we are urging parents and young people to take a reality check when it comes to trespass. It’s not a game: they are real tracks, with real trains and real life consequences."

In a message to parents, the force said: "Help us drive down trespass by talking to your children about the dangers of going on the tracks. Don’t let your door be the one we knock on to say your loved one has been killed or seriously injured as a result of trespassing."

If you see someone trespassing on the railway call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, text 61016 or dial 999.