POLICE officers are to target railway trespassing hot-spots in a bid to save lives after a rise in incidents in the North-East.

British Transport Police (BTP) say that as many as 14 people a day risk their lives, and those of rail staff and passengers, by trespassing on the tracks nationally.

The number of incidents in the North-East has risen since 2011.

In the Darlington and Middlesbrough areas the BTP reported 210 incidents in 2011-12, 233 in 2012-13 and 297 in 2013-14.

Between January and June this year there were 83 trespassers noted.

BTP officers in Newcastle saw 299 offences in 2011-12, 236 in 2012-13 and 396 between 2013 and 2014. Between January and June this year there were 112 cases.

Inspector Brian Buddo said: “Children, teenagers and even some adults need to understand the dangers of the railway.

“While taking trespassers through the courts remains open to BTP, the main focus of this campaign is stopping people getting on to the track.”

BTP officers will target trespassing at problem sites around the country under Operation Intruder.

Increased patrols will be carried out to deter trespassers, some who commit vandalism, and repairs to fencing will be carried out to prevent access to the lines.

The rail industry and police forces are also to be enlisted to help to tackle the problem.