CCTV footage showing the moment a child was rescued from a rail track seconds before a train passed through at high speed has been released to “highlight the importance of safety”.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) released a compilation of near misses involving children at train platforms in the UK.

The pictures also show the moment when a child fell between the train and platform edge at Darlington station – and a baby falling backwards out of a buggy when boarding a train at Newcastle.

LNER said there have been eight safety incidents involving children at its stations “already this year”.

The firm added: “Thankfully, they have all resulted in only minor physical injuries.

“But as the footage shows, some could have had a much more serious outcome.”

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‘Really upsetting to witness’

At Newark Northgate station, in Nottinghamshire, a child who climbed down and fell on the track was rescued by an adult just 15 seconds before a train passed through.

Station customer services assistant, Olivia Timms, said: “It was a really upsetting incident for the child and family and for customers and colleagues to witness.

“I think the fact a train came through the station at speed just seconds after emphasised just how awful the outcome could have been.

“Thankfully, everyone made it home safely that day and we want to make sure that happens every day.”

Warrick Dent, the safety and operations director at LNER, said: “Travelling by train is one of the safest ways to travel and thankfully incidents like the ones captured on the CCTV are rare, but they do happen.

“We know that travelling with children can be challenging.

“Navigating buggies and luggage through a busy station can be stressful.

“So, we want to make sure parents and carers are aware of the services we have available which can make their journey with us smoother and safer.”

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The footage was released as part of Rail Safety Week (24 June-30 June).

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