Children are risking their lives by "surfing" on moving trains.

They have been seen grabbing onto the side of the carriages and holding on trains departing from Deal station.

Station manager Kyle Miller told MP Charlie Elphicke anti-social behaviour is increasing on the platform and the problem has escalated.

The latest incidents were over the weekend on November 17-18.

Perilous "surfing" involves the children grabbing on to the side of the carriages and holding on as the train starts moving.

Mr Miller said train drivers put the brakes on as soon as they spot the youngsters.

As a result, delays are caused for passengers on board and further down the line, for example from Ramsgate to destination stations up to London.

Mr Elphicke said: “This behaviour is incredibly dangerous and needs to stop now.

“These youngsters are putting their lives at risk.

“Staff are becoming increasingly worried about anti-social behaviour on the platform.

“British Transport Police need to increase their presence at Deal station and put a stop to it.”

The surfing issue was revealed during a meeting the MP organised with Southeastern to discuss sprucing up Deal station.

It is part of a wave of thrill seeking activities, many illegal, which are sometimes posted online for kudos among peers.

Mr Elphicke is backing the Deal Station Clean-up Crew, who he joined for a litter pick in October.

He called for Southeastern and Network Rail to get the station back on track.

"Staff are becoming increasingly worried about anti-social behaviour on the platform" - MP Charlie Elphicke

Southeastern listened to residents' oncerns and put in new bins in recent weeks – but the protective plastic covering has already been smashed.

Mr Elphicke is urging British Transport Police to tackle reports of anti-social behaviour.

He added: “Deal deserves better than this.

“We need a spruced-up station which residents can be proud of – and to crack down on anti-social behaviour.”

A BTP spokesman said: “Train surfing is incredibly dangerous and can easily risk death or serious injury.

“We take all reports very seriously and are currently in the process of making enquiries regarding these incidents at Deal station.

“We would ask that anyone who has any information contacts us by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40."