CHILDREN are risking their lives by using in-line skates at railway stations, police warned today.

British Transport Police officers have received reports of youngsters skating at both Blackburn and Mill Hill stations.

And they say it will only be a matter of time before one of them skates into the path of a train or causes someone else to fall on to the line.

A police spokesman said: "We want parents to make sure they know where their kids are and that they are not using these skates at railway stations.

"All it takes is one slip or tumble and they are on the track. Trains don't always stop at Mill Hill and if one is coming along at 50mph there will be nothing the driver can do."

He said children were attracted to stations because of their disabled-friendly layout with flat surfaces and smooth ramps.

But he said in-line skates were banned at all stations because of the risk to skaters and other people.

"We know that children love these skates but a railway station is completely the wrong environment for them."

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