The teenagers were killed on their way to catch a train

Charlotte Thompson, 13, of Thaxted, Essex, and Olivia Bazlinton, 14, of Elsenham, Essex, died at Elsenham station in December 2005.

The girls were going shopping and crossed for a train to Cambridge on the opposite platform when they stepped into the path of a 70mph train.

Jurors returned the verdicts following a four-day hearing at Chelmsford.

Following the inquest, the fathers of both girls called for a criminal investigation into their deaths.

Charlotte's father, Reg Thompson, said a "whole litany of mistakes and incompetence" had been revealed in the case.

'Never forgotten'

Olivia's father, journalist Chris Bazlinton, said: "I think the authorities should look to see whether there is a case for criminal prosecution."

Network Rail said it would not comment on a call for a criminal investigation.

In a statement, company spokesman Chris Rumfitt said: "The deaths of Olivia Bazlinton and Charlotte Thompson were a tragedy, and they will never be forgotten."

The inquest had been told by rail accident investigator Simon French that analysis of data showed Elsenham to be "one of the highest risk" stations in the UK.

He said it was dangerous because nine trains an hour, both slow and fast, passed through, a large numbers of people used the station and pedestrians had as little as three seconds to get out of the way of a passing train because of the layout of the track.

'Changes made'

But John Tilly, a level crossings expert with Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate, said the crossing at Elsenham functioned as it was meant to.

After the inquest Mr Rumfitt added: "We note the verdict of the inquest, and we once again extend our sympathies to the families and friends of the girls.

"Since the tragedy, a number of changes have been made: the train operator has installed a second ticket machine on the far platform; permanent CCTV cameras are in place."

He added that British Transport Police now maintained a higher presence at the crossing and Network Rail had held a local campaign to raise awareness of how to use the crossing safely.

"And, as we expect the number of trains travelling through the crossing to increase in the future, we have recommended a footbridge be installed at the station with a locking system for the wicket gates.

"We are committed to carrying out these measures and are working with the relevant parties to deliver them."