CHILDREN are continuing to dice with death on a notorious Worcester railway crossing, despite a warning about safety.

Three incidents have been reported in the past week of youngsters lying on the railway tracks, throwing fireworks, and walking along the line.

The Worcester News reported last week how the Brickfields footpath crossing, off Astwood Road, has been dubbed the worst in the region after 35 reported incidents in the last year, 21 of which involved youngsters.

Network Rail put out human scarecrows' during the half-term week in a bid to keep them at bay, but unruly youths have continued to flout safety rules, putting themselves and others at risk.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: "The level and scale of misuse at Brickfields remains shocking, especially as there were a total of three incidents last week and they all involved teenagers.

"Everything had been going well until Thursday afternoon when one of our scarecrows spotted three youngsters running around on the track.

"One of the youths then lay down as if in a game of chicken. Fortunately there were no trains in the area, but they weren't to know that.

"Our man at the scene gave them a good talking to and moved them on.

"Then, later that day, at 6.15pm, he was targeted by youngsters throwing fireworks.

"As it was dark, we don't know if it was the same people. We called the British Transport Police, who patrolled the area for the rest of that evening.

"Then, last Friday, a train had to stop because the driver could see children walking on the line.

"Again, by the time we called the police, they had gone. Like all level crossings, Brickfields is safe if used correctly. But through their actions these people are risking serious injury or even death."

British Transport Police was not available for comment.