Shocking moment teenagers caught on CCTV doing handstands at level crossing

Shocking moment teenagers caught on CCTV doing handstands at level crossing
29 cctv level
Gareth Milner

By Gareth Milner


Published: 29/11/2021

- 06:04

Updated: 29/11/2021

- 06:29

Police said the girls showed a “blatant disregard for their own safety and others”.

Network Rail has warned the railway is “not a photo opportunity” after CCTV footage was released showing two teenage girls doing handstands at a level crossing.

The incident happened in Broxtowe, Nottinghamshire, on a stretch of track used by trains travelling at up to 80mph.


EMBARGOED TO 0001 MONDAY NOVEMBER 29 Handout CCTV grab dated 17/07/21 issued by Network Rail of a teenage girl doing a handstand at a level crossing. The incident happened in Broxtowe, Nottinghamshire on a stretch of track used by trains travelling at up to 80mph. Issue date: Monday November 29, 2021.
Teenager doing a handstand on a level crossing
Network Rail

Police said the girls showed a “blatant disregard for their own safety and others”.

Several people were also filmed standing on the track to take photographs, with one person lying down to pose.

A recent study of the crossing, situated in Attenborough Nature Reserve, recorded 22 examples of misuse in just nine days.

Network Rail route director Gary Walsh said: “This behaviour at Nature Reserve level crossing is absolutely shocking.

“The railway is not a photo opportunity and it is never safe to stop or hang around on the tracks.

“The two girls doing handstands are completely oblivious to the dangers they are putting themselves in.

“This incident could have ended in tragic consequences for them, as well as their friends and family.”

Inspector Mark Clements of British Transport Police said: “The people in this footage are clearly showing a shocking and blatant disregard for their own safety and others.

“Trespass is a criminal offence, it can result in tragic consequences or life-changing injuries.

“We regularly patrol this area and remind everyone of the importance of taking care around the railway and to not trespass.”

EMBARGOED TO 0001 MONDAY NOVEMBER 29 Handout CCTV grab dated 14/07/21 issued by Network Rail of a girl taking a photograph whilst at a level crossing. The incident happened in Broxtowe, Nottinghamshire on a stretch of track used by trains travelling at up to 80mph. Issue date: Monday November 29, 2021.
Teenager taking a selfie on a level crossing
Network Rail

The incident involving handstands was filmed in July.

This was 12 months after a couple were caught on CCTV posing for wedding photos while standing on the track at a level crossing near Whitby, North Yorkshire.

Network Rail said it is doing “all we can” to improve safety at level crossings, but it needs communities to “work with us”.

It has launched a new programme named Switch On to teach children about the dangers of the railway and development their awareness of hazards.

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