West Yorkshire MP issues stark warning after shocking photo of family trespassing on railway line

Robbie Moore - Member of Parliament for Keighley and Ilkley - told residents to "stay off the tracks" after he was sent the image of two adults with a child "walking along the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway".

The MP said the act was "extremely dangerous, risky and totally irresponsible".

> Leeds student who created Woodhouse Moor bin bag dispenser rewarded with £100 bar tab and 'keys to the city'In a social media post, Mr Moore said: "Rather worryingly, despite the obvious dangers, people are trespassing on our railway lines. I was sent this photo today, of two adults, with a child walking along the Keighley and Worth Valley railway.

"This is extremely dangerous, risky and totally irresponsible to encourage children to walk along a railway line. Even though the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway aren’t hosting visitors at the moment due to Covid restrictions, the railway line is still being used.

> 'There is a light at the end of the tunnel': Sex abuse survivor Kim Chown pens inspirational book about years of torment by her Leeds university father who raped her and threatened to dissolve her body in acid"Trespassing on the railway is illegal and dangerous - please stay safe, and do not do it.

"I would be grateful if you could spread the word."

The picture emerges amid an increase in police patrols on the railway lines across West Yorkshire over the bank holiday weekend.

The British Transport Police disruption team targeted the railway lines and stations in a bid to deter trespassers and prevent route crime.

Working with partners Network Rail and Northern, the team, made up of uniformed and plain clothed officers, cracked down on railway trespassing and ensured children and young people kept safe and away from the railway.

> 'Off the charts' - San Fransisco 49ers president's message to Leeds United supportersSpeaking on Friday, Inspector Richard Price said: “This area usually sees a spike in cases of youth related trespass when the nights get lighter and school holidays begin.

“However, this year our concerns are more acute, especially as we are not able to get into schools ourselves to pass this message on to children directly.

“The disruption team has a comprehensive and in-depth geographical knowledge of the area and know which hotspots attract bored youngsters.

“But we also want parents and guardians to help us by making their children aware of the dangers of trespassing on the railways and sure they know their whereabouts when they’re not at home.

“Trespassing on the railway, placing obstructions on the line, or throwing items at passing trains, can have serious, and even fatal consequences. It’s vital that people realise they are dicing with death by messing around near the railway.”