A POLICE inspector has blasted daredevil thrill-seekers who 'tram-surf' on the Metrolink.

Inspector Mike Edwards' comments follow the discovery of a 17-year-old youth from Prestwich found lying in a pool of blood on the line after being knocked from a speeding tram by a tree branch.

He had been clinging to the side of the tram when the accident happened shortly after 11pm on Monday, between the Prestwich and Besses o'th Barn stations.

The teenager's friends alerted police. It is believed the tram was travelling at about 50mph towards Manchester when the youth was knocked off the carriage by an overhanging tree branch. The 'tram-surfer' suffered a serious head injury and was taken to Hope Hospital, Salford. His condition is described as 'improving'.

As investigations continue into accident, Metrolink police Insp Edwards slammed 'tram-surfers' for their "grossly irresponsible and stupid behaviour". He said: "Tram-surfing is a term which I totally abhor. It reduces what can be a fatal activity to a mere leisure activity. Railways and tram-lines are not playgrounds as recent tragic events in Wales have shown.

"Both local and regional media have been very good in helping us to get the message across about this type of activity which is beyond belief. Not only do individuals put their own lives at risk but they cause alarm and distress to others by their grossly irresponsible and stupid behaviour."

He added: "The police and the operators of Metrolink are alive to this type of dangerous, life-threatening activity and both have procedures in place to respond to it. However, there is a limit to what can be done to protect people from their own stupidity. It is more a question of luck than good judgement that the consequences have not been more severe."

Insp Edwards called on Metrolink users to report anyone climbing on to the outside of trams. Parents are also being urged to warn their children about the dangers of climbing on to moving trams. He said: "The last thing I or any or my officers want is to knock on someone's door to give the news all parents dread."