Girls chance their lives

THREE girls took their lives in their hands as they jumped the railway barriers in Moira.

Around 1pm on Friday the group were caught on camera jumping the barriers just before a train arrived.

NI Railways staff conducted a search of the arriving train thinking the three may have boarded it at the station.

The age of the females is not known, a spokeswoman for Translink said an investigation was underway into the incident.

"We can confirm three females committed level crossing abuse at Moira level crossing on Friday, January 15.

"We recently installed new CCTV at the level crossing. The high quality system will help serve as a powerful deterrent to prevent level crossing abuse.

"When incidents do occur, footage can be used to investigate, apprehend and prosecute offenders where possible."

She went on: "Safety is of top priority for Translink NI Railways.

"We will adopt a zero tolerance approach in relation to those who recklessly put their own lives and the lives of others at risk.

"We want to provide a safe environment for all our passengers and employees and as such level crossing abuse will not be tolerated.

"We offer up to 1,000 reward to anyone who gives evidence leading to a successful prosecution."

Last year another of the crossings near Moira was the scene of a drama when a car hit one of the barriers as it descended.

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