Busy railway crossing closed after brazen teens caught doing handstands by train tracks

That deadline has now passed, and the closure has been prolonged while Network Rail and British Transport Police work to tackle the issue.

Surveillance captured during a routine crossing survey showed children and teenagers risking their lives in a series of reckless acts, prompting the rail operator to act and prevent a potential tragedy.

Among the alarming behaviour caught on film were youngsters performing handstands on the tracks, staring at their mobile phones while crossing, and sprinting across the line in an attempt to beat approaching trains.

Most disturbingly, some were filmed deliberately playing "chicken" with oncoming trains, while others were seen walking on anti-trespass boards designed to prevent exactly such behaviour.

Roughly 230 trains use the line through Brickfields each day, passing at regular intervals from morning until night.

Network Rail described the conduct as an unacceptable safety risk to the young people involved, railway staff and passengers alike.

Shenel Bullock, Route Health & Safety Manager for Network Rail Anglia, said: "The safety of the public is our absolute priority, which is why we have taken the difficult decision to temporarily close Brickfields level crossing."

She acknowledged the disruption to local residents: "We understand this closure may inconvenience some local people, but we cannot ignore the significant risks posed by this behaviour.

"This temporary closure gives us the opportunity to assess what further measures may be needed to keep people safe.

"We are asking parents, carers, teachers and the wider community to help us reinforce this vital safety message. Every railway safety conversation could help prevent a tragedy."

Network Rail and British Transport Police are coordinating visits to schools in the Upminster area, delivering presentations on the dangers of level crossing misuse and railway trespassing.

The crossing will not reopen until every year group at the relevant schools has received the safety briefing.

While the closure remains in force, pedestrians are being directed along an alternative route via Nightingale Avenue, Moore Lane, Front Lane and St Marys Lane.

The incidents echo the warnings of Network Rail's "No Second Chances" campaign, which earlier this year highlighted the devastating consequences of taking risks at crossings.

Anyone witnessing dangerous behaviour near the railway can contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.