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Tuesday 18 Feb 2025

CCTV appeal after trespass incident which cost Network Rail over £550k

Region & Route:

Eastern

| Eastern: East Midlands

Police investigating trespassing which caused severe disruption – affecting thousands of passengers' journeys – have issued this CCTV image.

The incident saw a man leave the platform at Hendon station and walk nearly 1km north up the Midland Main Line on 16 January.

This caused 16 trains to be fully cancelled and another 54 part-cancellations – resulting in more than £550,000 in delay minute costs.

Dan Matthews, Network Rail operations director in the East Midlands, said: “The railway is potentially an extremely dangerous place. Anyone who trespasses is breaking the law, putting themselves at serious risk and likely to cause serious disruption to the network.

“We have to stop trains to keep everyone safe when a trespasser is reported which quickly leads to major knock-on delays. In busy areas like Hendon, that can affect hundreds of passengers very quickly.

“As well as causing significant disruption, this incident cost the taxpayer more than half a million pounds. We’re working hard with British Transport Police to crack down on this sort of behaviour and I urge anyone with information which could help the investigation to contact British Transport Police.”

BTP believe the person in the CCTV image may be able to help their investigation. A spokesperson said: “Did you recognise him, or do you have any information which could help the investigation?

“Anyone with information can contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 with the reference 326 of 16/01/25.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.