Shocking CCTV footage has been released showing a drunk man narrowly miss being hit by a train in Essex.

Derek Acton, 44, was caught on film stumbling on the platform at Harlow Mill station before climbing down onto the tracks and lying down.

Moments later a Greater Anglia train passes through the station and over him.

Emergency services rushed to the scene but Acton, of Pinner Road, Harrow, north-west London, was uninjured.

His actions cost Network Rail an estimated £11,700 in delay compensation.

Acton was convicted of railway obstruction at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court, British Transport Police (BTP) said.

He was sentenced on Monday to a 12-month community order, a 60-day alcohol abstinence requirement and fined £570.

Inspector Steve Webster of BTP said: “Quite frankly, Acton is lucky to be alive.

“In his intoxicated state, he climbed down onto the tracks and lay in the path of a fast approaching train. His actions were baffling.

“I hope Acton sticks to his community order and the alcohol abstinence requirement.

“Hopefully he will steer clear of the tracks and avoid being involved in another near miss.

“The railway is an extremely dangerous place to trespass.”