WARNINGS have been issued about the dangers of trespassing on rail lines after six young men halted a train in Burnley.

British Transport Police said they received a report from a train driver at 9.10pm on Thursday of people on the line near Burnley Central station.

The train affected was the 8pm service from Colne railway station and it was delayed for around 15 minutes.

According to those on the train rocks were left on the tracks by youths which caused the problems.

Passenger John Millar, 34, from Colne, said: “You could see them hiding in the bushes.

“It’s the last thing you need after a long day.

“The train guard and the driver were really good - there’s not a lot you can do when there are kids darting about in front of your train.

“But there’s plenty of ready made materials lying around right near the tracks, as they’re building a load of new homes there.

“We couldn’t do anything but wait until the driver removed the rocks from the line.

“Luckily it only held us up by 10 or 15 minutes.”

The train came to a halt just outside Burnley Central railway station before moving forward approximately 50 yards up the line before coming to a stop again.

Passengers then said they heard the driver say rocks had been left on the line.

British Transport Police said they increase patrols in the summer months as they receive more reports of trespassing on the tracks.

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Inspector Neil Hubbs said: “I cannot stress enough the dangers of trespassing on the railway.

“It is no place to hang around.

“We call on parents to speak to their children about the risks and ask them to stay away from the tracks – you really are dicing with death.

“Hanging around near the railway could cost you your life or leave you with extreme, life changing injuries. There’s no plainer way to put it.”

Council bosses have also warned of the dangers of trespassing on railway lines and labelled the offenders ‘stupid’.

Cllr Mark Townsend, leader of Burnley Council, said: “It is totally irresponsible behaviour.

“Those responsible are putting themselves and others at a significant risk.

“It is totally unexplainable why anyone would do this, it’s just stupid.

“People should know to respect these places and keep clear.”

Police are now looking into the incident and welcome any information about those responsible.