NETWORK Rail is warning young people to stay away from the railway and stay safe ahead of the Easter holidays.

The train company, which is in charge of tracks and stations, is moving to stop children being killed or injured on the lines.

Peter Strachan, route director, said: "Trespassing on the railway is extremely dangerous and often results in serious injury, electrocution and death. We urge people to understand the risks and keep away from the tracks."

Trains travel at speeds of up to 125mph and can take up to two miles to come to a complete stop once the emergency brakes have been applied.

They are also very quiet and trespassers may not realise that a train is approaching. As well as the danger of being hit by a train, slippery rails and sleepers can also cause injury.

Railway crime is an ongoing problem for the rail industry and costs the company more than £250 million every year.

During peak periods, like school holidays, a railway crime is committed every 90 seconds.