British Transport Police have released this CCTV image of a cyclist they would like to speak to after he was seen walking along the train tracks at Caerphilly.
The incident, which was reported to police at 6.42am on Wednesday March 12, caused more than 14 hours of delays to services. Trains were initially placed on caution before a full stop was put on the line while officers carried out an unsuccessful search for the man.
After speaking to rail staff and checking CCTV, officers have released images of the man, who was seen to cycle off the end of the platform at Caerphilly Railway Station before walking along the track and into the Caerphilly tunnel.
PC Morgan Andrews, who is investigating the incident, said: “I am genuinely shocked to see that, despite our constant warnings, some people are still willing to risk their lives by trespassing on the tracks.
“This was absolutely senseless behaviour and I cannot overstate just how dangerous it is.
“Luckily, on this occasion, no one was injured, but the scenario could easily have been different.
“Train drivers will not be expecting anyone other than railway workers to be on the line, and by the time they see someone trespassing, it could be too late.”
“When the railway hears reports of trespassers, all services in that area are forced to slow down or stop, which has the knock-on effect of delaying subsequent trains – often right across the network. Tuesday’s incident resulted in 868 minutes of delays.
“Similarly, if a train, or the track, is damaged as a result of route crime, the resultant delays, while repairs are made or stricken trains recovered, can be substantial and can leave rail passengers stranded.”
PC Andrews added: “I am now asking for the public’s help to identify this person and would urge anyone who has any information in relation to this incident to come forward.
“Trespass may not sound like a serious offence but, in the unforgiving environment of the railway, it can be fatal.
“We do not want to tell any mother or father, husband or wife, that their loved ones will not be coming home. My message is simple – stay safe and stay off the tracks.”
Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting background reference WCA/B2 of 14/03/2014. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"train tracks", "train tunnel", Incorrect! It should be "Railway Tracks" and "Railway Tunnel" It's correct in the headline, shame it's not in the text!