Rail services were disrupted today after a trespasser was spotted risking their life by walking on a major line. British Transport Police (BTP) issued a warning following the drama on a section of railway line between Bolton and Lostock Junction on Tuesday morning.
It resulted in some services being stopped and disruption to other services between Bolton and Preston, Network Rail confirmed.
The incident happened at around 9.29am, prompting the line to be closed temporarily while a search for the trespasser was mounted. Services resumed at 11.29am.
Following the incident, BTP issued a warning about the dangers of trespassing. Chief Inspector James Mitchell said: “We see hundreds of people taking risks on and around the railway every year, resulting in tragic consequences or life-changing injuries. Both outcomes are avoidable.
“People should never anticipate when the next train is due – particularly as freight services can run at any time of day or night and travel at high speed. Our network of uniformed and plain-clothed police officers, and CCTV cameras, monitor the railway 24/7 – we will actively pursue and take positive action against those who fail to comply with the simple instruction not to trespass.”