BRITISH Transport Police were today investigating after two youths risked their lives hiding in a Burnley railway tunnel.

Several trains were put on speed restriction after the driver of a Scarborough to Blackpool service saw them in a 'refuge' inside Holme Tunnel, Towneley, around 6pm on Sunday.

Trains were stopped as officers searched the tunnel off Todmorden Road but the youths had fled.

Police have now warned their actions were "highly dangerous."

Sergeant Steve Murtagh said: "They were hiding in a refuge in the tunnel which is for railway workers when trains come by.

"Their actions were very dangerous and there was a high chance they could have been killed."

British Transport Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 0800 405040.