A METRO driver stopped and picked up a trespasser risking lives by walking on rail tracks during the rush-hour commute.
The stunned driver spotted the man walking along lines between South Hylton and Pallion Metro stations, in Sunderland.
Now police have released a picture of a man they hope to speak to as they carry out investigations into the incident, which happened on Wednesday, February 27.
Investigating officer Pc Graham Adams said: “At 4.45pm, a man was seen to walk off the end of the platform at Pallion Metro station on to the rail lines and head along the tracks towards South Hylton.
“Shortly after, the driver of a Metro travelling towards South Hylton station noticed the man walking line side. The driver stopped and the man got on board. On arrival at South Hylton, the driver escorted the man off the train, and he left the station at 5.17pm.
“I’m shocked to see people willing to risk their lives by trespassing on the tracks to save themselves a few minutes.
“This was an incredibly stupid thing to do, and the man was lucky not to be involved in a serious accident.”
Police wish to speak to the man pictured, as he is believed to have been at the station at the time and may have information which could assist the investigation.
This is not the first time this type of trespassing has happened in the city, similar incidents have seen a man walking across the Wear rail bridge, between St Peters and Sunderland stations.
Trespassers were warned again today of the risks they are running.
“Trespass on railways is very dangerous,” said a Metro spokesman.
“It takes a Metro train the length of a football pitch to stop unexpectedly, and there is no steering wheel.
“You don’t want to find yourself caught on the track in front of one.”
Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 405 040, quoting reference B11/NEA of 18/03/13.
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