'Reckless' dog walker enters active level crossing

The pedestrian was seen pushing through the safety barrier

Railway staff have slammed a "reckless" dog walker who climbed through an active level crossing, leaving an oncoming train to apply its brakes.

The incident happened just outside Blakedown Station, Worcestershire, at about 10:25 GMT on Tuesday.

The train applied its brakes as a precautionary measure, according to Network Rail.

It warned pedestrians and motorists that there was "never any excuse for this kind of reckless behaviour".

At the time of the incident, the entrance to the level crossing had been displaying a red warning light, indicating that it was unsafe to pass through.

The person also ignored the safety barriers that had come down.

Natalie Stretton, head of operational risk for Network Rail’s central route, said: "The difference of just a few seconds could have led to tragedy and I can’t downplay the danger they put themselves in."

She added: "When crossing the railway, I'd urge people to think about their own safety as well as the impact their actions could have on their family, the wider community and train drivers.

"It really isn’t worth the risk."

Jamie Ainsworth, health, safety, security and environment director at operator West Midlands Railway, echoed the advice, saying: "Incidents like this can also have a big impact on train drivers and I urge the public to bear this in mind when using level crossings.”