TEENAGERS have been accused of risking their lives for the sake of a train fare.

Pictures have emerged of children apparently running across train tracks to skip ticket barriers and get onto the London-bound platform.

Network Rail and British Transport Police confirmed they are investigating after pictures emerged on social media on Saturday.

They appear to show a group of teens illegally crossing the tracks by walking along one platform, going down the embankment and across the tracks and onto another platform.

An initial tweet stated: “Kids risking injury or death to avoid tickets at Basildon.

“Walking on track then down embankment and over fence.

“Unfortunately a regular occurrence at this station.”

Both Network Rail and British Transport Police Essex responded to the tweet, stating both companies would look into the issue further.

Independent councillor Kerry Smith said acts like this are “so stupid” the teens need to be caught as much for their own safety.

He said: “People should never be crossing railway tracks in any circumstance.

“You are quite literally putting your life in your own hands, and at the end of the day you can’t put a price on your own life.

“I have seen the photos, and I did have to look twice, because I thought surely no-one can be that stupid these days, but it looks like they are.

“Incidents and issues like this need to be nipped in the bud as quickly as possible before we have an awful incident.

“Let’s hope this is a one off and dealt with as soon as possible.

“Looking at the pictures, you could say it appears to easy for them to get onto the tracks, if something as simple as putting a few extra planks or something to block of the gap, then it should be done.

“It needs to be looked at and stopped.”

A spokesman for BTP said: "Officers are currently investigating a trespass incident at Basildon station at 7.37pm on 21 April.

"Officers are currently working to identify the four youths who trespassed. Trespassing on the tracks is extremely dangerous, British Transport Police continues to work with Network Rail to educate youths on the risks of trespassing. "

Anyone who witnesses similar incidents can report them to British Transport Police by texting 61016 or contact Network Rail on 03457 11 41 41.