London railway crossing shut after children 'play chicken' with trains and do handstands on tracks

A railway crossing in east London has been closed after children were spotted “playing chicken” with oncoming trains and doing handstands on the tracks.

Engineers carrying out a recent level crossing survey caught children and teenagers putting themselves at “significant risk of serious injury or death”.

Some of their antics included performing handstands, using the phones, racing across to beat a train, walking on anti-trespass boards and even playing ‘chicken’ with oncoming trains.

Children running across the level crossing to try and 'beat the train'

Network Rail

Shenel Bullcock, route health and safety manager for 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."

Children spotted performing handstands on the railway tracks at Brickfields level crossing

National Rail

Around 230 trains use the railway line at Brickfields every day, Network Rail said, with trains passing regularly at all times.

While the closure of the level crossing will come as an inconvenience for many, the rail operator said the “extremely concerning behaviour [...] represents an unacceptable safety risk to those involved, railway staff and passengers.”

The level crossing shut for 21 days since September 30, but it will remain closed until the issue is addressed and action taken.

Teenagers standing on the level crossing

Network Rail

All year groups in local schools have received an educational presentation warning of the dangers of messing around near railway lines, Network Rail added.

Earlier this year, Network Rail ran a campaign highlighting the consequences of taking risks around level crossings.

The “No Second Chances” campaign encouraged people to stop, think and stay safe when crossing the railway.

Teenagers playing on the level crossing

Network Rail

Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) recorded a significant jump in the number of people falling while trying to board a train, warning that most incidents were entirely preventable.

The operator observed at least 93 cases of people falling while trying to board a train, up 43 per cent from 2025.