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Children filmed playing on level crossing

Adriana ElguetaLondon
News imageNetwork Rail A girl in a white T-shirt and denim shorts does a handstand on the wooden deck of a level crossing as another girl with a ponytail, wearing a black T-shirt, watches with her back to the camera.Network Rail
A girl was filmed doing a handstand on the crossing

A level crossing in east London has been closed after children and teenagers were filmed playing "chicken" with oncoming trains.

Network Rail said the footage at Havering's Brickfields crossing, near Upminster, was captured during a survey of how the crossing was being used.

It showed young people doing handstands, racing across to beat trains, walking on the anti-trespass boards and using their phones while crossing. About 230 trains use the line every day.

The crossing was shut for an initial 21-day period on 30 September, but Network Rail said the closure would be extended.

News imageNetwork Rail Four children on a railway level crossing surrounded by trees. A boy in a white cycling helmet, green T-shirt and red shorts runs across the tracks in the foreground, while three others stand by the gate behind him. Their faces are blurred.Network Rail
Network Rail said young people were seen racing across the tracks to beat trains

It will stay closed until every year group at local schools has had a safety presentation from Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP).

Shenel Bullock, Network Rail Anglia's route health and safety manager, said: "We understand this closure may inconvenience some local people, but we cannot ignore the significant risks posed by this behaviour."

She said the closure would give the company time to assess "what further measures may be needed to keep people safe".

"We are asking parents, carers, teachers and the wider community to help us reinforce this vital safety message," she added.

A diversion is in place via Nightingale Avenue, Moore Lane, Front Lane and St Mary's Lane.

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