POLICE have warned they will crack down on children who dice with death from a railway bridge.

Youngsters have been climbing on to the bridge at South Church, near Bishop Auckland, and hurling stones at motorists passing underneath along Bonemill Bank. One driver had a narrow escape when one of their missiles struck his windscreen but did not go through.

PC Tony Burgess, of Bishop Auckland Police, said yesterday that the children were risking their own lives as well as those of drivers and passengers.

He added: "Their behaviour could have tragic consequences. They should not be on the railway bridge at all.

"It is an active line and trains come along at quite a speed.

"They are aiming at vehicles passing underneath and it is only a matter of time before someone is badly hurt."

PC Burgess also appealed for witnesses to contact him.

Anyone with information is asked to telephone Bishop Auckland police station on (01388) 603566