PARENTS are being warned to keep a look out for signs that their children may be playing on railway lines after two potentially disastrous accidents were narrowly avoided.

PARENTS are being warned to keep a look out for signs that their children may be playing on railway lines after two potentially disastrous accidents were narrowly avoided.

British Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for information after obstructions were placed on railway tracks on two separate occasions between Braintree Freeport and Cressing railway stations in Essex.

On Thursday July 10 at 6.45pm a pile of masonry was spotted on the line by a train driver.

And on the following Saturday at 7.13pm, a pile of wood and bricks had been deliberately placed on the tracks at the same location.

On both occasions, the train driver saw the obstructions and luckily managed to stop the train - but only just short of hitting them.

Police Sergeant Alan Judd of BTP said: “I cannot stress enough how dangerous it is to place debris on to the tracks - not only for passengers and rail staff, but also for those who engage in this type of criminal behaviour by trespassing on the railway.

“I would urge anyone with information about these incidents to come forward as soon as possible and I would also ask parents to be alert as to how their children may be spending their free time.

“If kids come home covered in dust, for example, try to find out why and remind them of the dangers and consequences of seeing the railway environment as a playground - because it is most definitely not.”

Anyone with information should contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. All calls will be treated in confidence.