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Two boys spotted ‘playing’ on train tracks at Kemsley Railway Station in Sittingbourne

17:28, 06 February 2024

updated: 11:26, 07 February 2024

Two boys have been spotted “playing around” next to live train tracks at a railway station.

British Transport Police (BTP) is investigating the incident which happened last Sunday at Kemsley Station, Sittingbourne.

Two young boys have been spotted on the tracks at Kemsley Railway Station in Sittingbourne
Two young boys have been spotted on the tracks at Kemsley Railway Station in Sittingbourne

Images have been shared on social media of two young boys, with one pictured standing in between the tracks.

One looked to be aged around nine or ten, with the other in his early teens. The witness said they had been seen “playing around on the tracks”.

In the post online he added: “I said to them this is dangerous please get off and I got sworn at by them – all I'm doing is looking out for the kids’ safety.

“If the parents are on here please speak to them, I know kids are adventurous and all, but one slip is all it takes.”

A number of people commented expressing their concern.

A witness said they were both “playing around”
A witness said they were both “playing around”

One said: “His foot is inches from that third rail, maybe they just don’t know that it’s instant death if he touches it. One stumble, one step backwards, dead.”

Another added: “Maybe these kids really don’t know how dangerous the railway lines are.

“Well done for trying to help them and posting here. You may well have saved their lives.”

BTP confirmed it received reports of trespassers on the tracks at around 2.15pm last Sunday (February 4).

A spokesman said: “The trespassers were seen leaving the station soon after.

Residents were concerned for the safety of the young boys. Picture: Google
Residents were concerned for the safety of the young boys. Picture: Google

“Enquiries into this incident are ongoing.”

A spokesman for Network Rail added: “Railway lines are used 24 hours a day, seven days a week and it’s not possible to anticipate when the next train is due.

“Trains travel at high speeds, they cannot stop quickly or swerve out of the way and everyone loses when you step on the tracks”.

“It’s vital parents continue to hammer home the message that playing on or near the tracks can have serious, even life-changing consequences.”

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