A safety warning has been issued after more than 1,700 people risked their lives by trespassing on Kent’s railways in the past year.

The key hotspots for these incidents are Gillingham, Gravesend, Ashford, Ramsgate and Swanley, it has been revealed.

Latest figures show there were 1,766 trespass incidents across Network Rail’s Kent route in the last financial year – a 15% increase from the previous year.

The company says it works closely with the British Transport Police (BTP) and local schools to educate children and their parents on the dangers of trespassing on the railways and patrol problem areas.

Gillingham, Albany Park, Broadstairs, Chestfield & Swalecliffe and Bat & Ball are among the trespassing hotspots for youngsters, but the number of incidents involving under 18s has dropped by 8% in a year.

However, overall trespass numbers remain too high – with almost one occurring for every mile of track in the country – and are yet to drop to the levels recorded before Covid.

In England, Wales and Scotland there were 18,517 incidents, with about 3,700 involving young people.

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the death of Harrison Ballantyne, who was electrocuted while trying to retrieve a football from the railway.

The 11-year-old was struck by 25,000 volts of electricity after he got into a rail freight yard more than a mile away from his home in the East Midlands.

Across the county, trains are powered by 25,000 volt overhead cables or the third rail which contains 750 volts.

Both can kill or seriously injure and are on 24/7.

Sophie Wright, Network Rail’s Kent route crime and security manager, said: “We’re committed to ensuring the safety of our passengers, staff and the public when using the railway and trespass poses a clear and obvious danger with the possibility of resulting in life changing if not fatal consequences.

“It’s important to remember that some of the dangers on the railway aren’t always visible.

“We work extremely hard with the BTP, train operator colleagues and the wider community to highlight the risks of trespassing on the railway so it’s disappointing to see trespass still remains an issue.”

‘It’s important to remember that some of the dangers on the railway aren’t always visible.’

BTP Superintendent Alison Evans added: "As the summer holidays approach we urge parents and carers of young people to talk about trespass and rail safety and warn them of the dangers of straying onto the railway.

"The rail network can be a deadly place; trespassing can result in devastating injuries or death.

“Please spread the word to stay off the tracks – it could just save a life."