PLAYING ‘chicken’ with trains and throwing objects on to the line were among almost 250 crimes on railways in Lancashire during the past year.

British Transport Police today warned trespassers they were putting their lives on the line.

The figures were revealed to coincide with the start of the school holidays.

Parents have been urged to remind their children about the dangers of playing on or near to the rail network.

BTP Sgt Darren Fawcett said: “We have already seen a slight increase in the number of route crime offences in East Lancashire – particularly around Blackburn, Darwen and Mill Hill — with youngsters running across the tracks to gain access to platforms.

“To combat this we have been out to several schools in the area in a bid to educate the children and show them the danger of their irresponsible actions.

“This work will continue throughout the summer holidays as our officers will be out and about across the area, patrolling stations and on trains and will be speaking to young people about the dangers of the railway.

“The railway is not a playground and those who fail to heed the warnings and advice can expect to find themselves being prosecuted.”