Police are investigating a 'staggeringly stupid' video of a car parked across a railway line.
The clip, which was posted to TikTok, shows a black car parked on the Oaks level crossing at Bromleys Cross, Bolton, with a tripod set up in front of it.
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It was posted to the social media platform with the caption: "Would you take the risk to take the photograph no one else would?"
And it seems the resounding sentiment among people is no, no they wouldn't do that, because it's 'incredibly dangerous'. Surprisingly.
Speaking about the shocking footage, Phil James, Network Rail's North West route director, said it was a criminal offence to trespass on railway lines and that it was not only putting their life at risk but also the lives of others.
He said: "The danger this person has put themselves and passengers in is sheer stupidity at a staggering level.
"Trespassing on the railway is a crime, as is endangering the lives of rail users.
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"No one should ever trespass onto the railway - so for it to be used as a backdrop for a photo shoot beggars belief.
"Lives could so easily have been lost by this reckless behaviour and we will be working closely with British Transport Police to make sure the person responsible for the video is brought to justice."
After seeing the video, the British Transport Police confirmed that it had launched an investigation and asked anyone with any information to get in touch.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Thanks for bringing this to our attention. This is incredibly dangerous and reckless behaviour, and no picture or video is worth risking your life for.
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"We are making enquiries into this video, anyone with further information can text 61016 quoting ref 122 of 14/01/21."
Inspector Becky Warren from BTP, blasted the driver of the car for their 'reckless' behaviour, and that it was paramount that people were educated on the dangers posed by level crossings.
She added: "There is simply no excuse for not following safety procedures at level crossings. The behaviour shown by the individuals in this video is incredibly dangerous and reckless - no picture or video is worth risking your life for.
"Education on using level crossings is essential, which is why we continue to work closely with Network Rail on improving knowledge on the dangers of deliberately misusing them.
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"However, we will also prosecute anyone caught committing any offences on or near level crossings in the hope this will make them think twice in future."
Police were also called into action to deal with another TikTok video earlier this month when one of their own was in the wrong.
Officer Narinder Mahi shared videos on the social media platform in which he appeared topless, sang a few songs, and - on one occasion - mimed to a sexualised joke.
This led to West Midlands Police giving him a ticking off and reminding him of his responsibilities after discovering his private account.
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In one video, the PC could be seen mouthing: "Have you tried Indian yet darling?
"Oh you must. Once you go brown, the other colours let you down."
Featured Image Credit: TikTokTopics: UK News, Social Media, tiktok, Cars