The actions of a group of young boys highlighted in a picture taken by a reader, which we have published today, are truly idiotic.

But it isn't just the youngsters themselves who are likely to be affected by their dangerous stunt.

Just imagine the awful trauma which would be experienced by any train driver who saw them and had to desperately try to stop a train before it hit them.

Then there is the distress, or maybe even physical injury, facing passengers in such a situation.

Of course it may be that the rail authorities need to make fencing alongside the lines more secure so it cannot be used as a shortcut to the Fishmoor Estate saving a walk of 200 yards.

Although it has to be said that it is virtually impossible to make any buildings or patches of land "childproof" these days.

In an ideal world, these boys would have enough common sense to keep off the rail tracks and avoid risking death or serious injury.

Sadly this isn't an ideal world. But that doesn't absolve their parents from responsibility for knowing where their children are and what they are doing.

Hopefully these offenders will be found and their mums and dads questioned.