NETWORK Rail has urged people to stay away from the railway following a surge in trespass incidents.

A person walking their dog on the track and someone crossing the track with a shopping trolley are among 70 incidents reported on the Wessex route, which covers, Dorset, Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey.

Nationally there have been more than 1,000 incidents since the start of lockdown, many involving children who are yet to return tot he classroom.

Trespassing on the railway is illegal, so when Network Rail is notified of trespassers, all trains in the area are stopped to ensure that everyone is kept safe. Network Rail is urging people to ‘Stay off the tracks and stay safe’ in a new campaign.

Mark Killick, route director at Network Rail Wessex, said: “Trespassing on the railway is dangerous and can have tragic results.

"We need the public to stay safe, stay off the railway and never use it as a short cut. The conductor rail carries 750 volts of electricity on most of our routes and is always live. If you are struck by a train or receive an electric shock, this could result in life-changing injuries or even death.”

The public can help to keep the railway safe by contacting Network Rail’s 24-hour helpline on 03457 114141 to report any locations where trespassers are gaining access to the tracks.