Brickfields level crossing closed as children seen doing handstands beside train tracks

Brickfields level crossing closed as children seen doing handstands beside train tracks Children put themselves at "significant risk of serious injury or death through distraction" at the Brickfields level crossing near Upminster, which is in east London A level crossing in London has been closed after children were seen doing handstands on the crossing and playing "chicken" with oncoming trains. The concerning behaviour included children and teenagers captured on camera during a level crossing survey by Network Rail at Brickfields level crossing near Upminster in the London borough of Havering. The temporary closure of the east London level crossing was put in place on September 30 and was going to be in place for 21 days as an emergency safety measure. But Network Rail has now said that this will be extended further "while action is taken to address the serious misuse observed". The "unsafe behaviour" saw children placing themselves at "significant risk of serious injury or death through distraction". This included performing handstands, using their phones, racing across to beat a train, walking on the anti-trespass boards and deliberately playing "chicken" with oncoming trains. About 230 trains use the railway line through Brickfields every day, with services passing through the area at all times of the day. A statement from Network Rail reads: "The extremely concerning behaviour observed represents an unacceptable safety risk to those involved, railway staff and passengers." A diversion is now in place via Nightingale Avenue, Moore Lane, Front Lane and St Marys Lane Shenel Bullock, of Network Rail Anglia, said: "The safety of the public is our absolute priority, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close Brickfields level crossing. We understand this closure may inconvenience some local people, but we cannot ignore the significant risks posed by this behaviour. "This temporary closure gives us the opportunity 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. Every railway safety conversation could help prevent a tragedy." Network Rail said the closure will remain in place until all year groups in local schools have been educated on the dangers of misusing level crossings and trespassing on the railway. The educational presentations will be delivered by Network Rail in collaboration with the British Transport Police and local partners.