Police have vowed to uses their ‘full investigative resources’ after protesters brought two major rail stations to a halt on Sunday, including an incident at Manchester Piccadilly that saw children on the tracks.
The Guardian reported that protesters walked onto rail lines at the Manchester station at about 1pm, preventing trains from entering and leaving. The station was reopened at about 4pm, with services remaining disrupted.
Photographs of the demonstration show that children were taken onto the track, which one Twitter user described as ‘absolute madness’.
British Transport Police (BTP) Superintendent Mark Cleland said: ‘While we appreciate and respect the right to peaceful protest, when this compromises the safety of the public and the protesters themselves, any offenders will attract the full investigative resources of BTP.
‘Those involved in this afternoon’s incident will be subject to intense investigation with a view to arrest and prosecution.’
A similar protest took place later on Sunday at London King’s Cross station, which police closed to stop the protesters accessing the track.
A BTP spokesman said: 'Officers were in attendance at London King's Cross station where they responded to a number of protesters attempting to enter the station at around 17:00 GMT.
‘Colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service assisted and protesters were prevented from accessing the tracks.’
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
