East Coast Main Line closed as trespassers wander on to tracks to see Flying Scotsman

Trespassers beside the tracks today
Network Rail
Laura Proto25 February 2016

Trespassers hoping to catch a glimpse of the Flying Scotsman have caused all services to be halted on the East Coast Main Line.

Network Rail was forced to stop all trains, including the Flying Scotsman itself, after people were seen walking on the tracks. The famous train was making a triumphant return to service after a multi-million pound refit.

In a series of tweets, Network Rail said: "We've had to stop all trains on the East Coast Main Line incl. #FlyingScotsman because of huge number of trespassers. Please, don't.

"Lots of safe vantage points for pics of #FlyingScotsman - don't be tempted to trespass on the railway, hugely dangerous. Please, stay safe."

The rail company confirmed shortly after 9.15am the line had been reopened, with trains running at slower speeds.

A Network Rail spokesman added: "Please, enjoy #FlyingScotsman safely and stay off the railway."

The Flying Scotsman leaves King's Cross

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In a statement, Network Rail said: "We are all excited to see Flying Scotsman return to our rails and we know many people have waited many years for this.

"Please stay safe and keep away from the trackside. Normal services are still running.

"The number of people beside the track is already giving us safety concerns and means we are having to slow trains down.

"Trespassing on the railway is illegal and incredibly dangerous, please help us to make today a success and stay off the railway."

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