Photos show the terrifying moment a woman with a suitcase dashed over a railway crossing "a second before" a train sped over the tracks.

The scary incident happened in Gillingham today, where barriers had come down on the Ingram Road crossing as a train was approaching.

Gobsmacked witness Sophie Hale took to Facebook to share photos of the woman "risking life and limb" to get over the crossing between 3.40-3.50pm.

She described how the woman appeared to be "on a mission" to cross the tracks, climbing over the closed barriers despite being beeped at by cars and shouted at by a passer-by.

Photos in a stationary car show her lifting a large black suitcase over the second barrier and onto the road on the far side, before climbing over herself.

Incredulous Ms Hale said the woman managed to get off the tracks "about a second before a train comes speeding past her".

"Then she pops to the shop opposite for a beverage," she added. "Stupidity at its finest!"

British Transport Police is aware of the photos, and is investigating the incident.

A spokesman said: "Officers are making enquiries into this incident as part of an investigation.

"Misusing level crossing is extremely dangerous. Trains can travel at incredibly high speeds and the consequence of failing to obey the warning signs could be lethal."

Anyone witnesses, or anyone with information is asked to text 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 257 of 22/03/21.

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