CCTV footage released of man's narrow escape at Long Eaton level crossing

​POLICE have released footage of a man risking his life running through a level crossing – moments before a fast moving train passes by.

The dramatic footage was taken in the early hours of Sunday, 13 March, in Long Eaton.

The man is caught on camera running across the line as the crossing barriers come down. While his friends wait on the other side, the man runs back across to meet them, only seconds before a fast travelling train runs through the area.

Today British Transport Police and Network Rail have sent a stark warning to drivers and pedestrians of the risks of misusing level crossings.

Sergeant Rob Bowley, of British Transport Police, said: "The risks taken by people at this – and other crossings – are simply unbelievable.

"In this instance on Station Street, Long Eaton, the man has not only crossed the line whilst barriers were coming down, but he was also jumped back across narrowly missing being hit by the train.

"What is even more shocking is that the crossing has a staircase which runs over the track, allowing pedestrians to safely the track whilst the barriers are down. This is not only hugely dangerous and irresponsible, but it could have had fatal consequences.

Assisted by BTP, Network Rail is currently carrying out a national campaign in an effort to raise safety at railway level crossings in Britain. Safety teams carry out a number of education events at crossings and officers from BTP have supported these events with a series of enforcement operations.

Mr Bowley added: "Education is key to everything we do around level crossings. By informing people of the potential dangers of misusing crossings – and how to use them safely we aim to reduce incidents at these sites."

"Neither I, nor any other BTP officer wants to have to tell any family that their son or daughter will not be coming home again."

Richard Pedley, community safety manager for Network Rail, said: "A few centimetres difference and this could be an entirely different story. Re-entering a crossing once the barriers are down is extremely reckless. The train driver involved must have had an awful shock and the pedestrian was lucky to escape with his life.

"I hope these pictures help to remind people that crossing barriers and warning lights are there to protect your safety, and to use crossings properly."

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