Worthing: Men Risk Their Lives on Tracks

Three men pictured walking on railway tracks just inches from a live rail and minutes before a train arrived have been condemned by police for putting their lives in "incredible danger''.

The men climbed down from the platform at Worthing railway station, West Sussex, and walked up and down the track for several minutes before walking across the tracks to the opposite platform, British Transport Police (BTP) said.

Pc Peter Cooke, of BTP Brighton, said the men arrived at the main entrance to the station at about 11pm on Sunday May 18 and loitered outside for several minutes, drinking and smoking, before heading to the platform through a side gate.

He said: "At 11.22pm one of the men climbed down from the platform on to the train tracks, and walked up and down the tracks for several minutes, standing inches from the live rail.

"He was joined by the other two men, who then walked across the tracks, and climbed up on to the opposite platform two just minutes before a Brighton-bound train arrived.''

BTP officers attended Brighton station and searched trains arriving from Worthing but no one was found.

They have released CCTV images of three men they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Mr Cooke added: "These men put themselves in incredible danger by walking on the tracks.

"Passing trains are not the only hazard they faced, as this route uses electrified rails to power trains, which can kill instantly.

"At Worthing station there is a perfectly usable passenger subway that serves all platforms, so there really is no excuse for this type of behaviour.

"It was late at night and the station would have been fairly quiet, but I believe there may be witnesses who have not yet come forward to police.

"If you saw anything, or think you recognise the men pictured, please get in touch.''

Anyone with information should call British Transport Police on 0800 405040, text 61016, quoting reference SSUB/B2 of 12/06/2014, or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.