The iconic steam locomotive Flying Scotsman is currently touring mainline railways of the UK.
Last Sunday, 5th May 2019, Flying Scotsman was completing the leg between York and London Paddington, but its progress was seriously delayed by the incursion of trespassers on the line between Derby and Birmingham.
As a precaution rail traffic in the area was signalled to proceed under caution, which meant the majority of responsible railway enthusiasts - many of whom had been waiting for hours - failed to capture that perfect shot of Flying Scotsman under full steam. It also resulted in severe delays to regular passenger and freight services using the route.
One passenger service driver, who asked to remain anonymous, told the BBC he saw trespassers every 200 yards.
Describing it as "probably the most stressful experience I have ever had", he said it was "only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed" trying to get a photo.
Nick Brodrick, editor of Steam Railway magazine, said the problem was "deeply troubling".
"When you have drivers having to stop, get out and tell trespassers to move and even then be ignored, the situation is simply unacceptable," he said.
It would be reasonable to say that both Network Rail and the British Transport Police are understandably miffed at the sheer volume of people trespassing last Sunday. Network Rail has even said that it might consider banning Flying Scotsman from the mainline if the threat of trespass is too great.
British Transport Police is appealing for information about the two individuals shown in the image below, who were seen standing in the cess only a few yards from the live railway.
Anyone with information can contact the BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016.
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