YOUNGSTERS risk a criminal record and even death by trespassing on the new Channel Tunnel rail link at Gravesend.

Rail chiefs and police are warning youngsters of the dangers following acts of criminal damage to equipment on the new high-speed line.

Three youths aged between 12 and 15 were stopped by officers from British Transport Police while trespassing on the railway at Singlewell recently.

CTRL production manager Andy Verrall said: "The new railway is securely fenced, but unfortunately there are always those who simply regard that as a challenge."

British Transport Police Supt Colum Price said: "If you trespass on the railway, you could end up with a criminal record, worse, you could end up dead. The idea of trespassing on a high speed line is suicidal.

"We are working closely with the line's operators to prevent this sort of route crime and, if people are caught, they face severe penalties. We would urge them not to play this deadly game."

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S GRAVESEND MESSENGER