A WARNING has been issued about the dangers of trespassing on the railway after multiple reports of walkers using it to cross a river.

Network Rail says walkers have been crossing the railway in Sleights, near Whitby, to cross the River Esk.

It says people are putting their lives at risk by using a private level crossing at Thistle Grove Farm.

Members of the public are using a private road, where there is no public right of way, before reaching Thistle Grove Farm crossing.

Network Rail is also reminding people that the upgraded railway bridge is not safe for members of the public to access and should be used by trained railway workers only.

Signs have been put up in the area to warn people to stay away from the tracks and two cameras have been installed to deter trespassers.

Dawn Sweeting, community safety manager for Network Rail, said: “Trespassing on the railway is always dangerous and can have fatal or life changing consequences. You never know when the next train is coming, and everyone loses when you step on the tracks.”

"People who are illegally using the railway bridge, intentionally or not, as part of their walking route seem to be completely oblivious to the dangers that they are putting themselves or their loved ones in.

“The railway bridge is not a public footpath and it is not a shortcut over the River Esk between Thistle Grove and Eskdaleside. Those who use it are trespassing and there is no excuse.

If you see someone trespassing, call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 to report it.