Police slam TikTok video showing 'staggeringly stupid' car parked on railway line as they launch hunt for motorist behind stunt
A TikTok video has been branded 'staggeringly stupid' after showing a car parked in the middle of a railway tracks while it is used as the backdrop for a photoshoot.
The social media clip shows a black Volkswagen Scirocco parked in the middle of the tracks at The Oaks level crossing, at Bromley Cross in Bolton, Greater Manchester.
The 14-second video, captured by @liamjhphotography, shows the car parked horizontally across the tracks with a camera on a tripod, captioned: 'Would you take the risk to get the shot no one else would?'
The social media clip shows a black Volkswagen Scirocco parked in the middle of the tracks at The Oaks level crossing, at Bromley Cross in Bolton, Greater Manchester
Manchester Piccadilly retweeted the clip captioned: 'We're working with British Transport Police to investigate this staggeringly stupid and dangerous TikTok video filmed on a level crossing in Bolton.
'Never trespass onto the tracks - it's against the law and puts lives at risk.'
British Transport Police tweeted: 'Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
'This is incredibly dangerous and reckless behaviour, and no picture or video is worth risking your life for.'
'We are making enquiries into this video, anyone with further information can text 61016 quoting ref 122 of 14/01/21.'
Liam JH Photography has 11,000 followers on TikTok and has 144,100 likes across its page which features flash cars in urban locations including underground car parks.
Manchester Piccadilly retweeted the clip captioned: 'We're working with British Transport Police to investigate this staggeringly stupid and dangerous TikTok video filmed on a level crossing in Bolton.
British Transport Police tweeted: 'Thanks for bringing this to our attention'
The 14-second video, captured by @liamjhphotography, shows the car parked horizontally across the tracks with a camera on a tripod
Inspector Becky Warren from British Transport Police, said: 'There is simply no excuse for not following safety procedures at level crossings.
'The behaviour shown by the individuals in this video is incredibly dangerous and reckless – no picture or video is worth risking your life for.'
Trespass on a railway is a criminal offence and offenders can face up to £1,000 fine while train obstruction is punishable by up to two years in prison.
Inspector Becky Warren from British Transport Police, said: 'There is simply no excuse for not following safety procedures at level crossings'
The clip was captioned: 'Would you take the risk to get the shot no one else would?'
Meanwhile Network Rail's North West route director Phil James said the use of the railway track for a backdrop 'beggars belief.'
Mr James said: 'The danger this person has put themselves and passengers in is sheer stupidity at a staggering level.
'Trespassing on the railway is a crime, as is endangering the lives of rail users.'
Anyone with further information is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting ref 122 of 14/01/21.
