FOLLOWING a recent series of illegal trespass incidents across the country, Network Rail and British Transport Police are warning rail enthusiasts to keep off the railway this week.

The warning comes ahead of the visit of the iconic steam locomotive Flying Scotsman as it comes through Hampshire, Wiltshire and Surrey.

The Flying Scotsman will tour the Surrey Hills today (Friday) and visit both Southampton and Salisbury tomorrow (Saturday).

The forthcoming journeys on the Wessex route follow a visit to Dorset in March which saw a number of cases of unsafe and illegal behaviours, including trespassing on the railway and dangerous drone operation.

David Dickson, chief operating officer for Network Rail’s Wessex route, said: “Unfortunately, we have experienced serious incidents of illegal trespass on the railway when Flying Scotsman has been touring, putting lives at risk and causing delays for tens of thousands of passengers.

“We will be working closer than ever with British Transport Police and train operating companies to make sure everyone can safely enjoy the experience and the joy this iconic piece of British engineering brings.”